An 11-year-old boy shot in a Sydney apartment on Monday, Sept. 21, died in hospital three days later. Three 18-year-old men were arrested; two were released pending further inquiries and a third, Isaac Bechara, was charged and refused bail. Police have not recovered the firearm and are investigating possible links to organised crime. The victim, a member of Sydney’s Maronite community, has not been publicly identified; his school is providing counselling and support.
11-Year-Old Dies After Being Shot in Sydney Apartment; Three 18-Year-Olds Arrested, One Charged
Emergency services attend the scene after an 11-year-old boy was fatally shot at a unit in Sydney, AustraliaCredit: ABC News Australia
An 11-year-old boy has died in hospital three days after he was shot inside an apartment in Sydney, New South Wales, authorities confirmed. The child was found with gunshot wounds to his face and neck after police responded to reports of a shooting on Monday, Sept. 21.
Paramedics provided emergency treatment at the scene before the boy was rushed to The Children’s Hospital at Westmead in critical condition. He died in hospital at around 8 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 24, New South Wales Police said.
Arrests and Charges
Three men, all aged 18, were arrested in connection with the incident. Two were taken to The Hills Police Station and later released pending further inquiries. The third suspect, identified as Isaac Bechara, was charged with concealing a serious indictable offence and was refused bail; he remains in custody. The matter has been adjourned to October.
The Children's Hospital at Westmead in Sydney, AustraliaCredit: Alamy
Investigation Underway
Police said they have not yet recovered the firearm believed to have been used in the shooting and are investigating all leads. Superintendent Naomi Moore told reporters the incident "at this stage does not appear to be linked directly to current conflicts," but confirmed that several people present in the unit are already known to NSW Police and that investigators are examining possible links to organised crime.
At the time of the shooting there were six people inside the apartment. Five others were uninjured, including a 43-year-old woman, and one person left before officers arrived, authorities reported.
Community Impact
The victim was a member of Sydney’s Maronite community. His name has not been publicly released. The boy’s school issued a statement offering condolences and said it is providing wellbeing and counselling support to students and staff affected by the tragedy.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, classmates, and all those affected by this tragic loss," the school said.
NSW Police said the investigation is ongoing and did not immediately respond to additional requests for comment.
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