3 months ago
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The heartbroken parents of a 17-year-old boy stabbed to death in a park in Sydney’s north-west have spoken publicly for the first time, remembering their son as a “social, fun, loving, sporty and loyal young man”.
Lucas Cornu died after being stabbed in the leg during an “unprovoked” confrontation in Bruce Purser Reserve in Rouse Hill on Monday afternoon. Witnesses told the Herald Lucas and his friends had gathered at the reserve, a usual hangout spot, when the 17-year-old was blindsided in the alleged attack. He bled out and died at the reserve, a popular meeting place for local teenagers.
The parents of Rouse Hill stabbing victim Lucas Cornu said the teenager was a “social, fun, loving, sporty and loyal young man”.Credit: Courtesy of Lucas Cornu’s family
Two 15-year-olds, one of whom handed himself into police in the hours after the stabbing, have been charged with his murder.
“His radiant smile could light up any room,” his parents, Sandrine Chauveau and Lionel Cornu, said in a statement, released alongside images of Lucas.
Lucas’ parents praised his friend who witnessed Monday’s alleged attack and called emergency services in what the pair described as the “hardest phone call of his young life”.
“Such bravery deserves recognition,” they said.
They also acknowledged witnesses who rendered first aid to the 17-year-old until emergency services arrived, the NSW Ambulance paramedics who “did everything possible to save Lucas’ life”, and NSW Police, which they said had “supported our family from day one and continue working tirelessly to bring justice for Lucas”.
“There are no words to express the pain our family is going through,” they said.
“No parents should ever have to bury their child.”
Witnesses said four boys had approached Lucas just after 4pm on Monday. One of the boys, who the witnesses said was wearing a balaclava, allegedly lunged at Lucas with a knife.
Lucas Cornu died after being stabbed at a park in Rouse Hill, in Sydney’s north-west.Credit: Courtesy of Lucas Cornu’s family
On Tuesday, Parramatta Children’s court heard that boy had allegedly “set upon the deceased, unprovoked, and has stabbed him in the groin area”. The court heard the boy, who had handed himself into police on Monday, was alleged to have “played a leading role” in the alleged attack, “being the only person that used a knife to stab the deceased”.
Police believe forensic tests would show the victim’s DNA on the accused killer’s hands and under his fingernails, the court heard. Neither he nor his alleged co-offender applied for bail during brief court appearances. Both were remanded in custody to face court on January 23.
Lucas’ death shocked the local community, leaving teenagers fearful of a surge in knife crime.
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It was common to carry knives, ranging from small pocket knives to large machete-types under the guise of “protection”, one teenager told the Herald last week.
“Violence is never the answer,” Lucas’ parents said.
“We hope that Lucas’ death will not be in vain and that young people will come together, support each other, and speak up.”
Lucas was a talented junior soccer and tennis player, and had this year celebrated a championship with his Quakers Hill Tigers soccer club teammates, his parents said.
Chauveau and Cornu said a vigil held for their son, a former Rouse Hill Anglican College student, last week showed “how much Lucas was loved and how many lives he touched”.
“The response from the community, colleagues and friends has been overwhelming. Your support, generosity, and compassion have carried us through these difficult days and we are deeply grateful,” they said.
Last week, Lucas’ girlfriend posted an online tribute to the 17-year-old alongside a video of the pair.
“I love you so much, and you will forever be in my heart. You don’t deserve this and never did,” she wrote alongside a video of the pair.
“I love you … I always will. Fly high, my beautiful boy.”
Cornu and Chauveau said their son’s legacy was a reminder to “support one another, speak up, and choose peace over violence”.
“Forever in our hearts, our beautiful Lucas,” they said.
“Your light will continue to shine through the love and memories you’ve left behind.”
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