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Huntingdale: Police confirm tragedy being treated as double murder-suicide

Headshot of Emily Moulton
Emily MoultonThe West Australian
Police on the scene of the double murder-suicide.
Camera IconPolice on the scene of the double murder-suicide. Credit: Kelsey Reid/The West Australian

The mother of the two children who were killed by their father in Huntingdale frantically called police concerned for their welfare after they did not arrive at an agreed pick-up point.

The woman was due to collect her six-year-old son and four-year-old daughter at the agreed location on Friday afternoon but when they failed to turn up, she called family members who rushed to the Essington Street address before calling police.

Assistant Commissioner Allan Adams revealed the heartbreaking detail on Saturday as he also confirmed the tragedy was being treated by police as a double murder-suicide.

He also revealed the youngsters were found dead by first responders inside the house. The West Australian understands they were found in their beds.

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Their 40-year-old father was found in the garage at the rear of the home.

Mr Adams said the mother only became aware her children had died after police attended the scene.

He said officers from the Major Crime Division as well as the homicide unit were continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the deaths but would not be drawn on the personal history of the family.

“The events that unfolded in Huntingdale yesterday are extremely tragic and they’re extremely difficult to comprehend. We can only begin to imagine the trauma caused to the family,” Mr Adams said.

Assistant Commissioner Allan Adams.
Camera IconAssistant Commissioner Allan Adams. Credit: Daniel Wilkins/The West Australian

“I and WA Police Force want to extend our since condolences to the family on their tragic loss. And WA Police will be offering every assistance to those family members impacted by this incident through the connections we have with support agencies. And also through the work of our family liaison officers.”

He said WA Police would be offering the first responders who made the grim discovery support as well.

He also made an appeal to anyone who might have any information about any events leading up the the tragedy to contact police.

He said any piece of information could be vital to the investigation.

Earlier, residents living in and around the Huntingdale street began laying tributes near the scene.

As news spread of the tragedy, shocked locals visited the corner of Essington and Stevenage Street to pay their respects to the little boy and girl whose lives were believed to have been cut short by their own father.

Alana Campbell, who has lived in the suburb for almost 30 years, told The West Australian she had come down to lay flowers in support of the children, as well as their devastated mother.

“I just wanted to show respect to the family,” she said. “Sometimes it’s not just about who’s gone, it’s also about who has been left behind and what they have to go through.”

A forensics officer at the property.
Camera IconA forensics officer at the property. Credit: Kelsey Reid/The West Australian

Police have been at the scene since 6.30pm Friday after they received a call from the distraught mother.

Forensic officers have been combing the house for evidence that could potentially help explain how the children and their father died.

Lifeline: 13 11 14

1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732)

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