Wed Sep 25 03:23:52 UTC 2024: ## Blue Mountains Community Mourns Two Brothers Allegedly Killed by Mother
**Faulconbridge, NSW:** The Blue Mountains community gathered on Wednesday to say a heartbreaking farewell to Russell (11) and Ben (9) Smith, two brothers allegedly murdered by their mother, Patricia Joan Smith, on September 10.
Hundreds of family, friends, and community members attended the funeral service, which was closed to media. The boys’ friends were seen arriving at St Thomas Aquinas parish wearing Penrith Panthers jerseys and carrying flowers.
The boys’ father, Nick Smith, who did not live at the Blue Mountains home, delivered a moving eulogy. He described his sons as “beautiful boys” who were “happy, funny, outgoing, and very much loved.” Nick made an emotional plea to the community to remember his sons, asking them to visit their graves and share their adventures and experiences.
“The one thing I do ask is every time people come back to the Blue Mountains, when you come back from your adventures, please go visit the boys,” he said. “Please go talk to them and tell them all the great things you’ve done since you last saw them, or you last spoke to them.”
Smith also expressed disbelief at the tragedy, saying “the loss of our two beautiful boys has caused unimaginable pain and distress.” He spoke of their love for their family and friends, their involvement in various activities like soccer and touch footy, and the deep impact they had on the community.
Patricia Joan Smith, 42, was charged with two counts of domestic violence-related murder on September 13 after the boys’ bodies were found at their Faulconbridge home. Emergency services were called to the house following welfare concerns. Smith was also found at the scene with stab wounds and was taken to hospital in a critical but stable condition.
The boys’ mother’s Facebook page features numerous photos of her and the children, showcasing happy family outings and adventures in nature. The tragedy has left the community in shock and mourning, with the focus now on remembering Russell and Ben and providing support to their grieving family.
First Piper 