A 19-year-old man has been charged with murder following the death of a 12-year-old boy in Sydney’s northwest. The incident occurred on September 21 at a residence on Fairway Drive, where the teenager was allegedly shot during an incident involving a handgun.

According to New South Wales Police, Isaac James Bechara was at the home with several friends, including the older brother of the boy, when the shooting took place around 5 p.m. Authorities allege Mr. Bechara was showing off the firearm to the child before firing a shot that struck the boy through the chin, causing catastrophic injuries. The child died in hospital days later.

Mr. Bechara was arrested on October 13 by detectives from Strike Force Janilo. He was formally charged with murder and has been denied bail. Following a court appearance on October 1, his lawyer described the accused as "distraught" and struggling to cope while in custody. Mr. Bechara recently turned 19 while detained.

Homicide Squad commander Joe Doueihi confirmed that the firearm used in the incident has not yet been recovered. He added that several people present at the scene have been uncooperative with police investigations. The shooting reportedly took place within close proximity to the boy’s mother, who was in the same residence at the time.

Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting and are seeking further cooperation from those involved. No additional charges have been announced, and inquiries remain ongoing.