Second boy faces court over fatal stabbing of Sydney teenager

The family of a boy accused of murdering a 17-year-old at a park in Sydney’s north-west have dodged media outside court, with their lawyer attempting to wave away cameras.

The 15-year-old is the second person charged over the fatal stabbing of the teen who died at a reserve in Rouse Hill on Monday afternoon. Police have collected several items from the scene, including a kitchen knife which is undergoing forensic examination.

Appearing at Parramatta Children’s Court on Wednesday, the boy, who was wearing a grey sweatshirt, held his head in his hands. He did not apply for bail, and it was formally refused.

Judge Megan Heywood told the child he would be held at the Cobham Youth Justice Centre and appear via video for his next court date on January 23.

“Today we have adjourned … because police need time to get evidence together and provide that to your lawyers so that you can get advice from your lawyers,” she told him.

The boy’s parents, who will need a Korean interpreter for the proceedings, did not comment as they left court. Their lawyer, Joseph Nashed, tried to wave away media as he escorted them across a busy road.

The teen was arrested at a home in Rouse Hill on Tuesday night with assistance from riot squad officers, hours after his 15-year-old co-accused faced court.

None of the boys can be named for legal reasons.

NSW Police Force Superintendent Naomi Moore said the alleged attack was planned, and detectives are still investigating whether the victim was ambushed. There were six people present at the stabbing, who are co-operating with police, she said.

“This was not a random attack,” she said.

“We are still working through the circumstances of how they came to be there and how the strategy occurred.”

Moore said the welfare of the community, the family and officers involved was paramount, with a police presence at nearby schools.

“We now have three families in this community that will not have their children at home for Christmas,” she said.

NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon said the teen’s death was senseless and tragic.

“There are three families now that have been irrevocably changed,” Lanyon told 2GB on Wednesday.

“We ask young people to really think about the consequences, not just the consequences of being put before the court – that should be sufficient enough – but think about the impact of your actions on families.”

The girlfriend of the 17-year-old, who died after being stabbed in the leg at Bruce Purser Reserve at Rouse Hill on Monday afternoon, shared a tribute on social media on Tuesday.

“I love you so much, and you will forever be in my heart. You don’t deserve this and never did,” she wrote alongside a video of the pair.

“I love you … I always will. Fly high, my beautiful boy.”

The Herald has been in contact with the boy’s family.

A court heard on Tuesday the 15-year-old alleged attacker had “set upon the deceased, unprovoked, and has stabbed him in the groin area”.

Magistrate James Viney said police alleged the 15-year-old had been identified by witnesses at the crime scene.

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