The identities of a family of four found deceased inside a home in one of Perth’s most affluent suburbs have been confirmed, as friends and neighbours struggle to comprehend a loss that has left a close-knit community stunned and searching for answers.
Emergency services were called to a property in Mosman Park early on Friday morning after a support worker, who had a scheduled visit with the family, became concerned and contacted authorities. Police entered the home and discovered the bodies of a 49-year-old woman, her 50-year-old partner, and their two teenage sons, aged 14 and 16. The family’s two dogs and a cat were also found deceased inside the house.
Police have described the incident as a devastating tragedy and are treating the deaths as a suspected double murder-suicide. Investigators confirmed that the family members were located in different parts of the property and that a note was found at the scene. While the contents of the note have not been made public, officers indicated it formed a key part of their initial assessment. Authorities stressed there is no ongoing risk to the public and no known history of family violence involving those who lived at the address.
Friends have since spoken about the immense pressures the family faced behind the quiet streets and manicured gardens of Mosman Park. The couple’s teenage sons were living with significant developmental challenges, requiring constant care and specialised support. According to those close to the family, daily life revolved almost entirely around meeting the boys’ complex needs.
One close friend described the parents as deeply devoted and protective, saying they rarely had time for themselves and were constantly advocating for assistance. “Their lives were centred on their children,” she said. “They loved them fiercely and did everything they could to keep them safe and supported.”
Others have spoken of the growing sense of isolation the family experienced over time. Despite living in a well-resourced area, friends say the couple often felt alone, exhausted, and overwhelmed. Accessing appropriate care, respite services, and consistent educational support proved to be an ongoing struggle, particularly during school holidays and periods of disrupted routine.
Neighbours described the family as quiet and private. Some recalled seeing the father tending to the garden or maintaining the property, while others remembered brief exchanges on the street. “It’s just heartbreaking,” one neighbour said. “You never imagine something like this happening so close to home.”
Detective Acting Inspector Jessica Securo told reporters the investigation remains in its early stages and that determining the exact circumstances will take time. She acknowledged the emotional toll on first responders and the person who discovered the family, noting that incidents of this nature are confronting even for experienced officers.
“This is a highly distressing situation for everyone involved,” she said. “Our focus now is on completing a thorough investigation and supporting those affected.”
The tragedy has also sparked broader conversations about the challenges faced by families caring for children with complex needs, even in communities often perceived as privileged. Advocacy groups say the case highlights the importance of accessible, reliable support systems and the need for families to feel seen and supported before reaching breaking point.
Local leaders expressed their condolences, urging anyone impacted by the incident to seek help and support. “This loss will be felt far beyond one household,” one community representative said. “It is a reminder to check in on one another and to ensure families under strain are not left to cope alone.”
As Mosman Park comes to terms with the loss, residents have left flowers and messages of sympathy near the home. For many, the tragedy stands as a solemn reminder that even behind the most unassuming doors, unseen struggles can exist—and that compassion, understanding, and support can make a profound difference.