A 15-year-old boy has been charged with murder after allegedly stabbing a 17-year-old to death in Sydney’s northwest. The accused reportedly confessed to police, saying, “I stabbed another boy in the leg.”
The victim sustained fatal stab wounds to his thigh following a confrontation at a park near Rouse Hill High School on Monday around 4:20 pm. He died despite efforts by bystanders and paramedics to save him.
Approximately three hours after the incident, the younger teen arrived at a police station with a parent and was formally charged with murder. He appeared in a children’s court on Tuesday, where Magistrate James Viney read a police application seeking DNA samples. Police say scrapings from under the teen’s fingernails may contain evidence linking him to the deceased.
Police allege witnesses saw the attacker wearing a balaclava, hoodie, shorts, and running shoes—matching the 15-year-old’s description. Because he is a minor, a court order is required to obtain DNA samples, as juveniles are not deemed capable of providing informed consent.
The accused did not apply for bail and was remanded in custody for eight weeks. He sat quietly in court wearing a black hoodie and sporting a mullet haircut with shaved sides.
Authorities have confirmed that those involved were not students from the nearby school, and police believe the attack was targeted rather than random. Several female witnesses rushed to help the victim at the scene. Detective Superintendent Naomi Moore praised their bravery, noting the potentially dangerous circumstances they faced.
The slain teen’s family and friends have paid tribute online. His girlfriend wrote, “I love you so much and you will be forever in my heart. You don’t deserve this and never did… I’ll live for you.” Friends described him as a “sweet, genuine boy” and posted messages such as “fly high” and “forever 17.”
NSW Premier Chris Minns expressed condolences, saying: “It is an unimaginable loss, and the whole community will feel the impact.” Local federal MP Michelle Rowland called the attack an act of “senseless violence” and highlighted the distress it would cause local families.
The 15-year-old is scheduled to return to court on January 23.
