The coroner held back tears as she shared her findings on the murders of Jack, 15, and Jennifer, 13, who were shot by their father, John Edwards, in 2018. His wife tragically committed suicide five months later in the family home in Sydney.
A Sydney mother was found dead less than six months ago since her two teenage children were shot and killed by her estranged father in her home were.
Olga Edwards’ estranged husband, John, shot dead their 15-year-old son Jack and 13-year-old daughter Jennifer at their West Pennant Hills home before killing himself in July.
NSW police say the death will not be treated as a suspect.
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The coroner held back tears today as she shared her findings on the totally preventable deaths of siblings Jack and Jennifer Edwards.
Jack, 15, and Jennifer, 13, were married in July Shot by her father John in their home in West Pennant Hills, northwest Sydney, in 2018.
John tracked Jennifer as she walked home from school, chased her into the family home, and shot her and Jack trying to hide from him under a desk.
Jack and Jennifer Edwards were shot dead by their father John in their West Pennant Hills home in July 2018. Source: Supplied
Jack and Jennifer’s mother, Olga, lived for five months in the family home where their children were murdered before she committed suicide on December 12th this year.
The voice of forensic doctor Teresa O’Sullivan shivered with emotion today when she blamed the NSW police, the family court and the state gun register.
« It’s hard to imagine the pain Olga felt when she returned home that night », said Ms. O’Sullivan.
« To find the police at their house and to find out that their two children, whom she loved very much, were killed. »
John Edwards (pictured with Ms. Olga) was able to obtain a gun license despite his long history of domestic violence. Source: Delivered
The fatalities investigation looked at how John managed to obtain a gun license despite his long history of domestic violence and the various arrest warrants (AVOs) issued against him.
The investigation also looked at whether systems within the NSW – Police, the Arms Register and the Family Court had to be changed.
Ms. O’Sullivan made 24 formal recommendations in her findings, including better training for NSW police officers in dealing with reports of domestic violence, better information sharing between the Federal Family Court and the NSW Guns Register as well as a better risk assessment for registrars who issue personal guns licenses.
The investigation also found that John dumped two bullets into his frightened children, leaving them with horrific and traumatic injuries.
Ms. O ‘Sullivan described the heartbreaking moment when Jack met his younger sister Ster was crouching under his desk, trying to use his body to protect hers, when John fired a full round of bullets at his two children.
Olga Edwards tragically behaved himself at the family home in Sydney five months later The life. Source: Delivered
Ms. O’Sullivan said the deaths of Jack and Jennifer – who had their entire lives ahead of them – were « an unimaginable loss ».
« Most disturbing is that they are in such a way « It is common to call such deaths tragedy, but … calling this tragedy is to convey a sense of inevitability. » / p> The horrific crime shocked Australia and John’s grown children testified against the bad father.
One of John’s children told the investigation last year about a time he showed up at their child’s preschool and intimidated her and the young children.
He also booked a private inspection to look at her house for sale to threaten the terrified woman.
Ref: https://www.kidspot.com.au
