Tributes for boy, 11, shot inside Sydney home as he remains on life support
An 11-year-old boy was shot inside a home in Norwest, Sydney, on Monday afternoon, sustaining gunshot wounds to his face and neck. He remains on life support in critical condition at Westmead Hospital. Three 18-year-old men were arrested at the scene, with one charged with concealing a serious indictable offence. Police have stated the incident does not appear to be linked to organised crime, despite the boy's father being a convicted cocaine dealer whose former residence was targeted in a drive-by shooting last year.
Five other people were present at the property on Fairway Drive when the shooting occurred and were uninjured, including a 44-year-old woman believed to be the boy's mother. The boy's father shared tributes to his son on Instagram on Thursday, with other family members posting similar messages. Two of the arrested men were released pending further inquiries, whilst Isaac Bechara appeared at Blacktown Local Court on Tuesday and did not apply for bail; he is scheduled to appear before Parramatta Local Court on 1 October. No firearm was recovered at the scene, and no weapons were registered at the address. Superintendent Naomi Moore said it remained too early to determine what occurred inside the property and that a thorough investigation would be conducted.
- Eleven-year-old critically injured with gunshot wounds to face and neck remains on life support
- Three 18-year-old men arrested; police say no apparent organised-crime link
- One suspect charged, scheduled for court appearance on 1 October