A day after a vigil for two boys allegedly murdered in Coonabarbran, the 66 year old grand mother Kayleen Heggs has been charged over the death of the two children earlier this week.

Ms Heggs was charged with two counts of murder and refused bail in a special Parramatta court appearance on Saturday morning 10 May.

She will re-appear for a committal hearing on May 21.

Just after 2pm on Monday 5 May 2025, police were called to a home on Emu Lane, Coonabarabran, following reports of a concern for welfare.

On arrival, officers attached to Orana Mid-Western Police District located a woman and bodies of two boys – aged 6 and 7 – inside the home.

The 66-year-old woman was taken to a hospital for further assessment where she remained under hospital guard.

A crime scene was established and officers attached to Orana Mid-Western Police District commenced an investigation under Strike Force Darnum, assisted by detectives from State Crime Command’s Homicide Squad.

On Friday 9 May 2025, the woman was taken to Orange Police Station after she was released from a mental health care unit.

She was then charged.

On Friday evening 9 May a large crowd attended a vigil in Coonabaran to remember Max and Sam.

Balloons flew over Nielsen Park paying a sombre tribute to the young lives of the much loved children and community members.

Parents of the children Samantha Heggs and Troy Johnson speaking to 9 news said "the boys adored each other."