Court hears alarming details of weapons cache and dark web gun attempts as NSW teen accused of school murder-suicide plot

Sky News AU

a day ago

Police say they intervened just in time to prevent a 15-year-old boy from carrying out a murder-suicide involving fellow students, after discovering weapons, a 3D printer, and other concerning items at his home.
The teenager, from the Northern Rivers area, is accused of exhibiting a pattern of dangerous and erratic behaviour over several months earlier this year.
Authorities allege he attempted to buy a Glock 9mm pistol via the dark web and shared both the weapon's image and violent videos - including one of self-harm - with classmates.
Reported this morning in the Sydney Morning Herald, the teen also allegedly promoted a homemade flamethrower on Instagram, posting footage of himself setting his bed on fire. Claims were made that he had access to additional weapons, such as a Taser and slingshot.
Concerns came to a head on March 18 when the boy allegedly made threats on Snapchat to stab another student and then take his own life. Police responded to those messages and say they encountered the teenager in a highly agitated state.
According to reports, he pointed a knife at officers at a distance of just 20 centimetres before surrendering it when they drew a Taser.
These events were outlined in court documents submitted during a Supreme Court hearing, where the teen was granted bail under strict conditions.
Described by police as a 'bright, intelligent student with great potential,' the boy reportedly began displaying troubling behaviour after moving in with his grandparents near Tweed Heads in March. The move was due to alleged ongoing issues between him and his mother's partner.
Staff at the boy's school had reportedly raised red flags about his influence over other students, saying he pressured peers to view graphic material and sent his girlfriend messages indicating 'suicidal and homicidal thoughts.'
In some of those messages, he reportedly outlined a plan to kill his ex-girlfriend and her current boyfriend in a 'murder-suicide.'
The teenager was subsequently detained under the Mental Health Act on multiple occasions. During this time, police say he threatened to burn down the home of his ex-girlfriend's new partner, visited both of their homes without permission, and made further threats of violence.
Investigators claim the boy was 'actively searching' for weapons online and often spoke about killing others. One student reportedly viewed Snapchat messages in which he said, 'I wanna do some murder suicide sh*t. If I got a gun, sh*t would be going down.'
When the other student tried to de-escalate the conversation, the boy allegedly responded, 'Nah I wanna hurt this whole c**t family... I'm considering buying a 9mm off the darknet but it's hard to find a reputable seller.'
Police initially visited the teen's home on June 12 in response to complaints about threatening phone calls. While there, they reportedly discovered a range of troubling items in his bedroom: a 3D printer, a flame-throwing device, a speargun, and a Taser that was being assembled. However, no items were seized during that visit.
A week later, the NSW Counter Terrorism and Special Tactics Command executed a formal search warrant at the same property. This time, officers recovered all of the previously reported items, as well as a working firearm, slingshot, laser pointer, more 3D-printed weapon parts, and various electronic devices.
The teen was arrested and held in custody but later released on bail following a Supreme Court ruling.
In addition to admitting ownership of a slingshot and a laser printer, he is now facing several charges, including possession of a prohibited weapon, threats to kill, two counts of intimidation, and holding digital files containing instructions for weapon production.
It also emerged in court that the boy had two jobs, one at a fast-food restaurant, and another with his grandfather's mechanical business.
Crown prosecutor William Sit requested that the teen be banned from continuing at the family business due to its police clientele.
Sit also asked the court to issue a home detention order and to ban the teenager from using Snapchat, pointing out that further threats had been found targeting students unrelated to the current proceedings.
Police expressed 'very serious concerns' about the boy returning to the grandparents' home, where much of the alleged behaviour had taken place.
Officers also flagged videos on the boy's phone showing his grandmother appearing intoxicated, raising doubts about the suitability of the home environment.
However, Children's Legal Aid solicitor Dean Fernandez opposed home detention, stating the boy's mental health was currently 'better cared for' and that other conditions could ensure compliance with bail terms.
Justice Belinda Rigg acknowledged the 'seriousness of the offences' but ultimately granted bail under a number of restrictions.
The boy must remain confined to his grandparents' home unless they accompany him. He is not allowed to visit their workplace or participate in the family business.
He is also forbidden from owning or using any weapons, including any device capable of producing them, such as a 3D printer.
He must be on good behaviour, comply with mental health plans provided, remain clear of the suburb where his school is located, and not contact any prosecuting witness.
Court is now adjourned until September 17.