A stabbing incident occurred on June 4th in the Edgeworth area near Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia, resulting in the death of a 14-year-old Chinese exchange student who was stabbed in a homestay family’s home. Another 13-year-old Chinese exchange student was arrested by police and charged with murder.
According to reports from ABC and AAP, New South Wales Police revealed that at around 10:20 p.m. that evening, they received a call reporting a stabbing at a residence in the Edgeworth area. Emergency personnel arrived on the scene and found a 14-year-old girl with stab wounds. After being treated on site, she was rushed to John Hunter Hospital, but unfortunately succumbed to her injuries.
According to Lake Macquarie District Commander Tracy Chapman, at the time of the incident, a couple in their fifties from the homestay family heard ‘sounds of an argument’ outside a bedroom. When they went to check, they found the 14-year-old girl had been stabbed. Police arrested a 13-year-old girl at the scene, who is currently in custody.
Chapman said that both girls were short-term exchange students from China who had arrived in Australia a week earlier and were participating in an exchange program. Under the program, they were placed with local host families, attended a local school, and had plans to tour the Hunter region. They were originally scheduled to return to China on August 16.
Police said the 13-year-old Chinese exchange student has been charged with murder and will appear in children’s court.
Police stated that, currently, they have not found any special relationship between the two girls; their only connection appears to be participation in the same exchange program.
Chapman noted that there are many complexities in the investigation, including the involvement of minors, language barriers, and the fact that the parties are not Australian residents, which all pose significant challenges. However, the host family has been actively cooperating with the investigation.
A knife was found at the scene. Chapman indicated that the knife appeared to have been taken from a kitchen drawer and used as the murder weapon. It has been seized and will undergo forensic examination.
The police have established a crime scene and formed ‘Operation Agnes,’ with assistance from specialist officers and the state homicide squad, to conduct an in-depth investigation. So far, police have not officially confirmed the identity of the deceased girl. Chapman stated that several procedures must be completed for the victim’s family, next of kin, and the consulate. In addition, police are working with the exchange program organizers and the Chinese consulate to advance the investigation.