Source : Perth Now news
An 11-year-old boy who suffered a gunshot wound to his face and neck at a unit in Sydney’s northwest has died in hospital.
The boy was raced to hospital earlier this week in a critical condition, after suffering the wound at an address on Fairway Dr in Norwest.
“About 8pm tonight (Thursday), police were informed that the boy had died from injuries sustained,” NSW Police said in a statement.
“Inquiries are continuing.”
Police believe a single shot was fired but the weapon has not been recovered.
Investigators are examining whether the weapon may have been accidentally discharged as a result of the child handling it.
Tributes to the child have begun circulating on social media over Thursday evening, including from a man understood to be his father.
“Rip peace my baby,” the man, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, wrote on social media.
The school where the boy attends 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,” a statement issued on Thursday night 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.”
Others have offered similar tributes online.
“May he be resting in the arms of his Heavenly Father,” one user wrote.
“God Rest His Soul In Eternal Peace Amen,” another wrote.
Both NSW Police and The Children’s Hospital in Westmead have been contacted for further comment.
Leila Abdallah, who lost her three children and niece when they were hit by a drug and drunk affected driver, took to social media to pay her respects to the boy.
“We are grateful we got a chance to say goodbye to him,” she wrote.
“Today is another heartbreaking reminder of how fragile life is.”
“Right now there are parents in hospital saying goodbye to their children, and others sitting beside them as they suffer.
“Hold your loved ones close, love deeply and treasure every moment,” Ms Abdallah wrote.
Prominent Christian Charlie Bakhos, who runs the Christian Lives Matter group, called on followers to “please keep his family and loved ones in your prayers”.
It comes after almost 50 people gathered in prayer outside the children’s hospital where the boy was fighting for life.
The Hills Police Area Commander, Superintendent Naomi Moore, on Tuesday said several people who were inside the unit were well known to police.
“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,” Superintendent Moore said.
Three men, all aged 18, were arrested at the scene.
Two were taken to Castle Hill Police Station, where they were spoken to before being released pending further inquiries.
The third man, Isaac James Bechara, 18, was taken to Riverstone Police Station and charged with concealing a serious indictable offence.
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 until Thursday, October 1, when it is due to be mentioned in Parramatta.
Speaking outside court, Mr Bechara’s lawyer described the situation as involving “obviously, tragic circumstances”.
“That’s all I’m really prepared to say at the moment,” he said.
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 premises but declined to detail the nature of those interactions.
“Police are aware of the premises. Police have engaged with the occupants previously,” she said.
She said none of the three men arrested were related to the 11-year-old boy.
Police were continuing to investigate what occurred inside the unit before the shooting and the circumstances in which the firearm was discharged.
