An 11-year-old boy who was shot in the face and neck in Sydney has died in hospital, police have confirmed. The youngster suffered the gunshot wound at a unit in Norwest at around 5pm on Monday, September 21, and was taken to hospital in critical condition.
Boy dies from injuries
A NSW Police spokesperson said: “About 8pm tonight (Thursday), police were informed that the boy had died from injuries sustained. Inquiries are continuing.”
Police believed a single shot was fired, but the weapon has not been recovered. An investigation has been launched, with enquiries looking into whether the weapon may have been accidentally discharged as a result of the child handling it.
Tributes and school statement
Following the announcement on Thursday evening, tributes began to appear on social media. A man understood to be the boy’s father, who cannot be named for legal reasons, posted: "Rip peace my baby."
The school the boy attended issued a statement saying they were “deeply saddened” by the news. “Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, classmates, and all those affected by this tragic loss,” the statement reads. “At this difficult time, our focus is on supporting the child’s family and providing wellbeing and counselling support to our students and staff.”
Three men arrested at the scene
On Tuesday, Hills Police Area Commander Superintendent Naomi Moore said several people who were inside the property were known to police. She said: “A number of individuals that were inside the unit at the time are well known to NSW Police, and their association with organised crime is being considered by investigators.”
Three men, all aged 18, were arrested at the scene. Isaac James Bechara, 18, was taken to Riverstone Police Station and charged with concealing a serious indictable offence. The two others were taken to Castle Hill Police Station, where they were spoken to before being released pending further inquiries.
Mr Bechara did not appear when his matter was mentioned before Blacktown Local Court on Tuesday, with his lawyer appearing on his behalf. No application for bail was made and the matter was adjourned. Police allege Mr Bechara failed, without reasonable excuse, to provide information that could materially assist investigators after becoming aware a serious indictable offence had been committed.
Superintendent Moore said police had previously attended the property but did not add further detail. “Police are aware of the premises. Police have engaged with the occupants previously,” she said. She added that none of the three men arrested were related to the 11-year-old.
