Three bodies of mother and children found in burnt car in Perth, homicide suspected

March 15, 2022

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The bodies of two children and their mother have been found in a burnt-out car which went up in flames at a Perth park.

The trio’s remains were discovered in a horror scene at John Graham Reserve at Coogee in the city’s south at 11.45am on Monday.

A homicide investigation is underway after three bodies were found in a burned out car at a beachside car park in Perth.

One witnesses told 9News they heard what they believed was gunfire just moments before the fire.

WA Police have only confirmed that “at least one person has been located deceased”.

“Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding a car fire in Coogee,” they said.

The nearby road, Nyyerbup Circle, was closed while police worked through the night collective evidence.

Most walking trails within the Woodman Point Reserve area, a popular picnic spot, were also blocked off.

Detective Senior Sergeant Cameron Blaine, who led the rescue effort for Cleo Smith, is among those investigating the incident.

“I’m very shocked,” another man told 7NEWS.

“I thought this car had caught on fire, I didn’t know there was a body or someone was in there.

“I saw really burning big flames and then suddenly came a big sound and flames became bigger also.”

Witness Lincoln Morton said he heard what sounded like gunshots at the popular family meeting spot.

“I was coming back from the beach and I heard what sounded like a couple of gunshots,” he told The West Australian.

“When I was coming back from the beach that’s when I heard the first couple. I got to my car and I heard a couple more.

“Then I saw the heat and embers from the fire on the other side of the bush.”

Police are appealing for anybody with dashcam footage between 11am and midday to get in touch via the Crime Stoppers website or call 1800 333 000.