The Guardian Australia

‘Devastatin­g’: Jason Galleghan’s mother breaks silence over Sydney teen’s death after 13-year-olds charged

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A mother has spoken of her disbelief after the death of her 16-year-old son, allegedly at the hands of two 13-yearold boys and four older teenagers.

It has been 11 weeks since Rachel Galleghan’s son was killed in Sydney.

“This is still something that I can’t believe has happened,” she said.

“I’m still coming to terms with the fact that I will never see my precious son Jason again, and that his life was taken at the age of 16.”

Described by his mother as “a kind person with a happy spirit”, Jason Galleghan was found with serious injuries in a western Sydney home on 4 August. He later died in hospital after suffering head and chest injuries.

Two 13-year-old boys and four other teenagers have been charged with murder.

Detectives on Tuesday released CCTV images of two men seen in the vicinity of the home in Doonside the afternoon of Jason’s alleged murder.

One was seen carrying a drink bottle while the other had a black, red and blue item in his hand.

“These two men may hold vital informatio­n for investigat­ors about the events leading up to Jason’s death,” local police commander Superinten­dent Steve Egginton said.

“I urge anyone with informatio­n, no matter how insignific­ant you believe it to be, to come forward and contact Crime Stoppers.”

The six teenagers charged with murder also face charges of kidnapping occasionin­g bodily harm and intentiona­lly causing grievous bodily harm.

Only one of the accused is over the age of 18: Doonside woman Kayla Dawson, 19.

A Werrington man, 29, has also been charged with being an accessory after the fact.

Galleghan said she hoped the public would keep fighting for Jason.

“He was loving and generous and helpful to his sisters and to his family and friends,” she said.

“It is just so utterly devastatin­g and heartbreak­ing that his future has been taken away from him.

“We have all lost the biggest part of us that can never be replaced, and I would like to ask that the community please continue their support to fight for Jason so that justice is served.”

 ?? Photograph: NSW police ?? Jason Galleghan, 16, who was killed at home in Doonside, western Sydney, on 4 August. Six teenagers have been charged with murder and police have appealed for informatio­n on two other men.
Photograph: NSW police Jason Galleghan, 16, who was killed at home in Doonside, western Sydney, on 4 August. Six teenagers have been charged with murder and police have appealed for informatio­n on two other men.

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