Doherty said the two girls were the only children in the house, but would not comment on whether the parents were home.
Lake Macquarie commander, Superintendent Tracy Chapman, added: “There are no records of police being involved with this family previously for matters such as this.”
She said forensic police remained at the crime scene on Tuesday.
Police at the crime scene in Boolaroo on Monday where a 10-year-old girl died of stab wounds.Credit: Rhett Wyman
Asked about the alleged weapon, police said a “sharp instrument” was used.
The alleged killer, who cannot be named because she is a juvenile, did not appear in Broadmeadow Children’s Court and did not apply for release on bail on Tuesday morning.
Instead, a defence solicitor told the court she would remain in custody on remand. The hearing was done in just a few moments – prosecutors told the court they would provide the brief of evidence to the teenager’s legal team by June 20.
The teenager is expected to appear before the court via videolink on June 24.
We are grieving. It is just beyond words.
A neighbour, who did not wish to be named
Asked about any “uptick” in knife crime, Doherty said there appeared to be one, noting the incident was independent and isolated from other matters across the state and country.
He said the year had started with a “large number of acts of violence that have resulted in deaths, and a lot of them have been [of] females”.
“It’s a reflection … on society in general, and again, we’re not policymakers, we’re not politicians, we have to be mindful what we can say,” Doherty said. “However, we’re investigating the aftermath of another, what will be alleged, a violent act and it is also a tragic incident.”
A neighbour who did not want to be identified because she knew the girl’s family said: “We are grieving. It is just beyond words.”
Lake Macquarie MP Greg Piper said the 10-year-old girl’s death was “devastating” and he encouraged distressed locals to contact support services.
“My thoughts are with the family, friends, neighbours and first responders affected by this unimaginable tragedy,” Piper said in a post on Facebook.
“There will be many in our community hurting and struggling to comprehend this news today, including many of our young community members.”
If you or anyone you know needs help, call 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) or Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800.
Start the day with a summary of the day’s most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter.
Source Agencies
