A 19-year-old man accused of murdering his mother and her two young children in suburban Perth broke down in court, launched into a rambling outburst.
Teancum Vernon Petersen-Crofts has been charged with three counts of murder by WA Police after Michelle Petersen, 48, and her eight-year-old son Rua were found dead inside their Ellenbrook home, about 30km north-east of Perth’s city centre, on Sunday morning.
Police found Bella, 15, critically injured in the property's backyard but she died on the way to hospital.
Petersen-Crofts faced Midland Magistrates Court on Monday, where he was only asked to confirm his identity but kept talking over the top of the magistrate, even after being told he didn't need to say anything.
"I have to 'cos mamma is with me," he replied.
The teen also made several references to a person named “Griff”, saying “he’s a criminal” “who wanted to take me out bush” before confronting a court security guard.
He told the guard standing by his side that he looked "like a serial killer."
Michelle Petersen was found dead in her Ellenbrook home. Source: Facebook
Magistrate Greg Smith told the court that, due to concerns regarding Mr Petersen-Crofts' mental health, he would be remanded in Frankland Centre on a hospital order before his next court appearance.
A mental fitness report will be prepared before the accused returns to court on July 23.
Mr Petersen-Crofts lived at the house with his mother and the children.
The 19-year-old will remain in hospital until week. Source: Facebook
Police allege he called the police to a 7-Eleven store in Ellenbrook, early Sunday, prompting police to head to the house a few streets over where they discovered the victims.
Homicide detectives have described the gruesome crime scene as one of the worst they’ve ever been called to.
"At this particular point in time there's a very complex, and I would say horrific, crime scene in place and it will take us some time to process that crime scene, and that could be days," Assistant Commissioner Paul Steel told the medai.
"This is a terrible tragedy for the family involved, for their extended family and for those first responders who were forced to attend what was a horrific crime scene. My heartfelt condolences go out to all of those who have been affected by this tragedy.
"It's a crime that I know will send shockwaves throughout the community of Western Australia."
Forensic officers spent much of the weekend at the home and were spotted taking a large pair of scissors from the home on Sunday afternoon.
Police are still notifying next of kin about the triple homicide.
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