In the quiet, tight-knit community of Coonabarabran, NSW, the tragic loss of two young brothers, Max and Sam Johnson, has left a profound mark.
While legal proceedings are underway, the town has come together to focus on healing and remembering the vibrant lives of the six- and seven-year-old boys.
This is the story of a community’s heartbreak and their beautiful efforts to ensure the two boys are never forgotten.
A Tribute to Two Young Lives
The boys, who were active and loved members of the community, were just weeks away from a milestone they had eagerly awaited: receiving their yellow belts in karate.
In a moving tribute, their parents have shared that the boys will be laid to rest in their karate uniforms, adorned with the yellow belts they worked so hard for.
“We wanted to make sure they got their yellow belts one way or another,” their father, Troy Johnson, shared.
This sentiment of love and remembrance has been echoed throughout Coonabarabran. Residents gathered for a candlelight vigil by the Castlereagh River, a place of natural beauty that now holds a special significance.
Two trees were planted in honour of Max and Sam, creating a living memorial that will grow for years to come. The yellow karate belts they were due to receive were displayed, a poignant symbol of their lost potential and the community’s collective grief.
The Ongoing Legal Case
The boys were found in their home on May 5, leading to a police investigation and the eventual arrest of their maternal grandmother and sole carer, Kathleen Joyce Heggs, 66. Ms. Heggs is facing two counts of domestic violence murder.
The case was recently mentioned in Dubbo Local Court, where the prosecution noted that the full brief of evidence, including the crucial post-mortem report, is still being compiled. The court has granted an adjournment, with the matter set to return on September 4.
Ms. Heggs’ solicitor has indicated that his client’s mental health at the time of the incident will be a central element of the defence. The family had relocated to Coonabarabran from the NSW Central Coast about a year prior to the boys’ deaths.
Understanding the Broader Context
The tragic circumstances have also brought to light the immense pressures faced by kinship carers, particularly in regional and rural areas where support services can be sparse.
The boys’ biological parents, Troy and Samantha Johnson, had been open about their own struggles with serious mental health issues, which led them to entrust the boys’ care to Ms. Heggs.
Their heartbreaking story underscores the complex challenges many families face and the critical importance of robust mental health and community support systems.
“This is not how we were meant to get them back,” Mr. Johnson told reporters. “We are completely broken – but those boys deserve a good send off, and that’s what we are going to give them.”
As the legal process continues, the community of Coonabarabran remains focused on supporting the Johnson family and honouring the bright, brief lives of Max and Sam.
Support is Available
This story contains themes that may be distressing to some readers. If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out to one of the following confidential support services:
- Lifeline: 13 11 14
- Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636
- Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800 (for people aged 5 to 25)