The family of a man charged with murdering his mother and two siblings in Perth says they tried to help him with his mental health issues.
Teancum Vernon Petersen-Crofts was charged with the murders of his 48-year-old mother, her 15-year-old daughter and eight-year-old son in Perth. Photo: Facebook/Teancum Vernon Petersen-Crofts
Teancum Vernon Petersen-Crofts was charged after his mother, Michelle Petersen and her son Rua, were found dead and her daughter Bella was found critically injured at a house in Ellenbrook, Perth, on Sunday.
Bella later died of her injuries.
The 19-year-old has been remanded to a secure facility.
Joseph Hollen, who lives in Christchurch, said they were a close knit family.
Mr Hollen is the cousin of Mr Petersen-Croft's dad and grew up alongside him and his siblings in Hornby and Kaiapoi.
Mr Hollen said Mr Petersen-Croft's dad moved to Australia where had lived for the last 30 years.
The murders have taken the family by shock and Mr Hollen felt the utmost sympathy and aroha for Michelle Petersen's family.
"Our nephew is alive and will go through a court process but Shelley's family have lost a daughter, a sister, grandchildren."
Mr Hollen said the family was aware of the mental health issues Mr Petersen-Crofts faced - and whanau members in New Zealand and Australia tried to get him help.
"You don't expect children to have mental health issues that would lead them to a point like this where they make bad choices and don't see there's any other way to deal with the demons they have in their head."
A GoFundMe page has raised more than $18,000, and Mr Hollen said he was keeping in touch with the family.
"All we can do is assist in whatever way we can and whichever way the family asks."