Coonabarabran community in shock after deaths of two boys aged 6 and 7By Zaarkacha Marlan, Catherine James and Bruce MacKenzieABC Western PlainsTopic:Crime1h ago1 hours agoMon 5 May 2025 at 10:56pmLoading...In short:The bodies of two boys, aged 6 and 7, were found in a home at Coonabarabran in north-west NSW.A 66-year-old woman, who the ABC understands is the boys' grandmother, remains in hospital under police guard.What's next?Homicide squad detectives have joined the investigation.abc.net.au/news/coonabarabran-community-in-shock-after-death-of-two-boys/105257070Link copiedShareShare articleA small community in north-west New South Wales remains in shock today after two young boys were found dead inside a home at Coonabarabran.Police went to the house yesterday afternoon after receiving a "concern for welfare" report.They discovered the bodies of two boys aged six and seven.A 66-year-old woman who was at the house and who the ABC understands is the boys' grandmother was arrested at the scene and remains in hospital under police guard.'Beautiful young kids'The news has rocked the close-knit community.Local woman Shiara Green told the ABC she spoke to her sons about the tragedy last night."I tried not to cry," she said."I'm emotional just trying to talk about it now."They didn't really react too much to it ... but (I said) you're going to hear about it all tomorrow when you go to school."Ms Green said she was unsure if her sons would take advantage of counselling the local school was offering. "I have a really good support system myself, lots of good family and friends around me," she said."In this community we always stick together and we'll always get through things like this."Warrumbungle Shire councillor Kodi Brady said the death of two young boys at Coonabarabran was "devastating for all". (Supplied: Warrumbungle Shire Council)Warrumbungle Shire councillor Kodi Brady told ABC Western Plains the two boys were "absolutely beautiful young kids"."Little firecrackers ... it's just such a tragedy," he said."Obviously, an incident like this in any place is massive ... but in a small tight-knit community where everyone knows everyone, everyone is involved in sports and the school community, it is felt much harder, I believe."The ripple effect of that just flows out." Police established a crime scene after the discovery of the bodies of two young boys at Coonabarabran in the NSW north west. (Zaarkacha Marlan: ABC Western Plains)Police sources say the woman called FACS (now the Department of Communities and Justice) and reported the boy's deaths, but is not believed to have made any admissions.That prompted the police to do a welfare check. At this stage police have not laid any charges in relation to the incident, and say there is no ongoing threat to the community.Homicide squad detectives have been called in to help with the investigation.Coonabarabran, 140 kilometres north-east of Dubbo, has a population of about 2,300.More to come.ABC Western Plains — local news in your inboxGet our local newsletter, delivered free each FridayYour information is being handled in accordance with the ABC Privacy Collection Statement.Email addressSubscribePosted 1h ago1 hours agoMon 5 May 2025 at 10:56pm, updated 1m ago1 minutes agoTue 6 May 2025 at 12:22amShare optionsCopy linkFacebookX (formerly Twitter)Top StoriesNationals deputy leader 'shattered' she will likely lose Senate seatLIVEPhoto shows Perin Davey listens to a press conference by Water Minister Tanya Plibersek at Parliament HouseSea of solar gives a clue why Australians chose batteries over nuclear Topic:Energy PolicyPhoto shows Electricians place solar panels on roofGreens' Adam Bandt in danger as seat of Melbourne remains on knife's edgeTopic:ElectionsPhoto shows A composite photo of a brunette woman, brown haired man with glasses, blonde woman with glasses and dark haired man.After millions of dollars and texts, Trumpet of Patriots fails to deliverTopic:ElectionsPhoto shows Palmer scratches his head.The timeline prosecutors allege in the mushroom murder trialTopic:ExplainerPhoto shows A woman standing in front of her car.Related stories'Heartbreak' as two boys found dead in NSW, woman in custodyTopic:Law, Crime and JusticePhoto shows CoonabarabranRelated topicsCoonabarabranCrimeTop StoriesNationals deputy leader 'shattered' she will likely lose Senate seatTopic:ElectionsPhoto shows Perin Davey listens to a press conference by Water Minister Tanya Plibersek at Parliament HouseSea of solar gives a clue why Australians chose batteries over nuclear Topic:Energy PolicyGreens' Adam Bandt in danger as seat of Melbourne remains on knife's edgeTopic:ElectionsAfter millions of dollars and texts, Trumpet of Patriots fails to deliverTopic:ElectionsThe timeline prosecutors allege in the mushroom murder trialTopic:ExplainerJust InErin Patterson's mushroom murder trial resumesLIVE1m ago1 minutes agoTue 6 May 2025 at 12:22amFarmers urged to 'hold firm' on policies upon Labor's returnTopic:Elections7m ago7 minutes agoTue 6 May 2025 at 12:16amM1 scrap metal spill damage bill rises as drivers claim tyre repairsTopic:Road Accidents and Incidents32m ago32 minutes agoMon 5 May 2025 at 11:51pmCalls for 'tough decisions' as drought threatens famously clear SA dive spotsTopic:Environmental Management35m ago35 minutes agoMon 5 May 2025 at 11:48pmMore Just InBack to top