Teen victim identified in alleged bashing death
A teenager allegedly fatally assaulted has been identified, with his mother speaking for the first time.
Police announced on Tuesday that 16-year-old Jason Galleghan was the victim of an alleged bashing in Doonside, 40 kilometres west of Sydney, in August.
16-year-old Jason Gallaghan. Image: NSW Police
The teenager was found unresponsive at the home on Perigee Close, Doonside, on the afternoon of August 4, and died from his injuries several days later.
Strike Force Brens, which was established following the alleged murder, has restuled in charges laid against seven people.
Those charged in relation to the incident include two boys aged 14 and 15, two aged 13, a 15-year-old girl, a 19-year-old woman, and a 29-year-old man.
All those charged remain before the courts.
In a statement released through NSW Police, Jason’s mother Rachel thanked the public for their support and called for justice.
“This is still something that I can’t believe happened, 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,” she said.
“Jason was such a kind person with a happy spirit; he was loving and generous and helpful to his sisters and to his family and friends.
“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.”
Strike Force Brens are continuing their investigations and have released new CCTV footage in a bid to identify two men walking in the area who may be of assistance.
The second man can be seen wearing black pants, a red-and-black jumper, and carrying an item that is black, red and blue.
The two men police believe have vital information relating to the investigation. Image: NSW Police
The two men were walking in the vicinity of the Doonside home around the time of the assault.
Blacktown Police Area Commander, Superintendent Steve Egginton, said the men may have vital information regarding the events leading up to Jason’s death.
“Strike Force Brens detectives have worked tirelessly to investigate the alleged murder of Jason and will continue to follow all lines of inquiry relating to this matter - leaving no stone unturned,” Superintendent Egginton said.
“I urge anyone with information, no matter how insignificant you believe it to be, to come forward and contact Crime Stoppers.”
Police are urging anyone with information to contact Blacktown Police Station or Crime Stoppers.
Image: NSW Police