Mother of children killed by father on Sydney's upper north shore found dead
The mother of Jack and Jennifer Edwards, the teenage siblings shot by their estranged father in Sydney, has been found dead at her home.
Olga Edwards was found dead by police on Wednesday. It is believed her overseas family is being notified. The cause of death has not been released by NSW Police.
Ms Edwards, 37, was devastated after her separated husband, John, shot her 15-year-old son and 13-year-old daughter at their West Pennant Hills home in July before killing himself.
Police sources close to the investigation into the double homicide said Jack died trying to shield his Jennifer from their estranged father as he shot at them with handguns, which police described as "powerful".
When Ms Edwards arrived home from work on the day of the shooting, the north shore solicitor was met with police, ambulances and a helicopter after a neighbour saw the childrens' estranged father arrive at the home and heard gunshots.
By the time first responders arrived, there was nothing they could do for the fatally-shot teens.
Ms Edwards was treated for a severe case of shock before being released into the care of friends.
After killing his two children, Mr Edwards, 68, returned to his Normanhurst home where he turned the murder weapon on himself.
A manhunt ensued, culminating in police surrounding his Harris Road address before his body was found in the early hours of the morning.
At the property, investigators also found the two firearms used in shooting the children.
It was revealed by the Herald in the days after the shooting that Mr Edwards was granted a "Commissioner's Permit", allowing him to pursue handgun training at St Mary’s Indoor Shooting Centre.
The training is the first step towards getting a handgun licence and then a permit in NSW - despite his answers on a declaration form raising flags in the system.
More to come
AAP, Fairfax Media
Support is available by phoning Domestic Family Violence Counselling Service 1800 737 732 Lifeline 13 11 14.