In a case that has left the small rural town of Coonabarabran reeling, the mental health of 66-year-old Kathleen Joyce Heggs, accused of murdering her two young grandsons, will be a key focus, a Dubbo court has heard.
Heggs faces two counts of domestic violence murder following the deaths of seven-year-old Max Johnson and six-year-old Sam Johnson, found deceased in their home on the outskirts of the northwest New South Wales town on 5 May 2025.
The boys’ bodies were discovered in their bedrooms at a semi-rural property on Emu Lane after two junior police officers forced entry, prompted by an emergency message sent to the communities and justice department.
Heggs, the boys’ maternal grandmother and sole carer, had reportedly harmed herself and was arrested at the scene.
She was initially taken to a mental health unit at Orange hospital before being transferred into custody, according to a NSW Corrective Services spokesperson.
During a brief hearing at Dubbo Local Court on 21 May, Heggs’ solicitor, Christopher Ford, appearing via video link from Sydney, told Magistrate Brett Shields that his client’s mental health at the time of the alleged offences would be a central issue in the case.
Ford did not oppose a police application for a forensic procedure on Heggs, the details of which were not disclosed, and the magistrate approved the order. The case is scheduled to return to court on 10 July.
The hearing also saw a tense exchange over Heggs’ legal representation. Ford confirmed he was acting for Heggs, despite Senior Legal Aid solicitor Bill Dickens stating he had spoken to her earlier that day and received instructions.
Dickens urged Ford to avoid discussing the matter in open court due to media presence, highlighting the case’s sensitivity.
Heggs and her grandsons had relocated from the NSW Central Coast to Coonabarabran about a year prior. Police documents from Heggs’ first court appearance, five days after her arrest, suggest the boys may have been killed as early as 10.30am on 5 May.
Authorities have confirmed no weapons were involved in the alleged murders.
The deaths of Max and Sam, described as vibrant boys who attended the local primary school and karate classes, have deeply affected the Coonabarabran community. A candlelight vigil was held by the Castlereagh River, where residents planted two trees in the boys’ memory and displayed the yellow karate belts they were set to receive.
Warrumbungle Shire Councillor Kodi Brady read a poignant poem at the vigil, describing the brothers as “wild as March hares, full of spark and flame,” and noting the town’s profound grief: “The town is hushed, the heart is torn, for two young lives, so dearly mourned.”
Support services, including Lifeline (13 11 14), Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800), 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732), and beyondblue (1300 22 4636), are available for those affected by this tragedy.
