In a heartbreaking incident that has left the community of Coonabarabran, New South Wales, in shock, 66-year-old Kathleen Joyce Heggs has been charged with the alleged murders of her grandsons, Max Johnson, 7, and Sam Johnson, 6. The boys were found deceased in separate bedrooms of their home on Emu Lane on May 5, 2025, following a welfare check prompted by their absence from school.
Authorities report that Heggs, who had been the boys’ sole guardian after they were removed from their parents’ custody, allegedly contacted the Department of Communities and Justice to inform them of the children’s deaths. Upon arrival, police found Heggs with self-inflicted injuries; she was taken to a hospital under mental health protocols.
Following her release from the hospital, Heggs was formally charged with two counts of murder and appeared via video link in Parramatta Local Court. She did not apply for bail, and the case has been adjourned to Dubbo Local Court for further proceedings.
The tragic deaths have deeply affected the local community. A candlelight vigil was held at Neilson Park to honor the memory of Max and Sam, who were remembered as energetic and beloved members of the community. Their parents, Samantha and Troy Johnson, expressed profound grief, noting the boys’ close bond and Sam’s resilience in overcoming cancer at a young age.
NSW Premier Chris Minns extended his condolences, stating, “What has occurred is terrible, and as a state we share in the community of Coonabarabran’s grief at the loss of two young boys who had their entire futures ahead of them.”
Police investigations are ongoing, with authorities treating the case as an alleged double homicide. The cause of death is pending post-mortem results. Assistant Commissioner Andrew Holland emphasized the impact on the small town, stating, “These things shock small country towns… the death of two children is devastating.”
As the legal process continues, the community mourns the loss of two young lives and seeks answers in the wake of this tragedy.