A community in Sydney's north-west is reeling after a 17-year-old boy was allegedly stabbed to death near his high school on Monday afternoon, with a 15-year-old boy now facing murder charges.
Tragic afternoon at Bruce Purser Reserve
The incident occurred at approximately 4:20pm on Monday at Bruce Purser Reserve, a grassy area located behind Rouse Hill High School. Emergency services, including a CareFlight helicopter, rushed to the scene after reports of a stabbing.
Despite the efforts of paramedics who provided emergency treatment, the teenager was declared dead at the scene. The victim, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, allegedly suffered a single stab wound to the leg.
Community in mourning as tributes flow
The victim's heartbroken girlfriend led online tributes, writing emotionally: "I love you so much and you will be forever in my heart. You don't deserve this and never did, you are a strong boy and you deserve the world."
She described how he made "the little things fun" and "brought a smile" to her face "every single day without fail". Friends remembered the teenager as a "sweet, genuine boy" who was active in the local sporting community.
The Daily Mail understands the alleged victim's parents migrated to Australia from Europe more than 15 years ago before settling in the city's north-west.
Police investigation and charges
A 15-year-old boy presented himself at Riverstone Police Station with a parent shortly before 7pm on Monday. He has since been charged with murder and is due to face a Children's Court on Tuesday.
Hills Area Commander Superintendent Naomi Moore confirmed that the incident was not linked to Rouse Hill High School and that detectives believe the alleged attack was not random.
Police received reports that two people, believed to be teenagers, were seen allegedly fleeing from the area. One was also believed to be wearing a school uniform.
According to police, the 17-year-old victim was wearing his school uniform and was with another boy when they were allegedly confronted by a separate group of two to three boys. It's understood the victim was then allegedly stabbed in the thigh before members of the other group ran from the scene.
Witnesses and emergency response
A group of females who were in the park witnessed the alleged stabbing and provided aid to the injured boy before paramedics arrived. Superintendent Moore praised these witnesses, acknowledging that "it would have been a horrifically confronting situation for those people".
The tragedy also affected emergency service workers, with a relative of one female paramedic revealing she had been "traumatised by the tragic outcome" and "devastated that she couldn't save him".
Community and political response
Local Federal MP Michelle Rowland described the teenager's death as the "tragic loss of a young life" and offered her "deepest condolences" to the boy's family.
"There is no place in our community for these alleged acts," Ms Rowland stated, adding that she knew "this news will be particularly distressing for local families".
As the community comes to terms with the tragedy, friends continue to share their grief online, with one writing simply: "Forever 17." The incident has raised further concerns about youth violence in the area.
