A 16-year-old boy has been charged with murder and attempted murder after a stabbing at a family home in Bentley, a south-eastern suburb of Perth, Western Australia. The body of his 35-year-old mother was discovered by police at the Mills Street residence on Tuesday morning, while his 12-year-old sister was found seriously injured on a nearby highway after fleeing the scene.

According to Western Australia Police, the girl managed to escape the house and reach Albany Highway in Cannington, approximately 600 metres away, where members of the public provided life-saving first aid. She was transported to Perth Children’s Hospital and remains in a critical but stable condition. The 16-year-old was taken into custody at the home and has since been charged with one count of murder and one count of attempted unlawful killing. He was due to appear before the Perth Children’s Court on Wednesday.

Acting Detective Inspector Jessica Securo described the incident as a suspected family violence homicide and confirmed that detectives are investigating the family’s prior interactions with police. Authorities have not disclosed any suspected motive or the nature of the relationship dynamics that may have led to the alleged attack. Legal restrictions in Western Australia prevent the identification of the accused or the victims.

Two crime scenes have been established — at the Mills Street property and the location on Albany Highway where the injured girl was found. Police have urged anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers, stating that the investigation remains in its early stages.