Teenager murdered in Wagga

Residents on Acacia Street, Kooringal heard commotion around 8pm and called police. 

Emergency services arrived at the scene shortly after to discover the Kooringal High student had died from multiple stab wounds. 

The man accused of stabbing the 16-year-old, Bryce Cliff, was charged with murder, aggravated break and enter and take and drive conveyance.

Fairfax Media understands Cliff had previously been in a relationship with the teenager's half-sister. 

A reason for the dispute still remains unclear.

The year 11 student, who previously played cricket for Lake Albert and was a member of the school SRC, has been remembered as a “quiet, well mannered and nice boy”. 

Jacie Cockburn, a mother whose son was close friends with the victim, told The Daily Advertiser of her heart-break and anger following the stabbing. 

“My son is devastated and extremely shaken up, I think everyone is shocked and upset,” she said.

“I didn’t know the boy well, but he had come to the house for my son’s birthday party and he seemed like a quiet, great kid.

“It’s horrific and heart-wrenching to hear, he wouldn’t hurt a fly”.

Students at Kooringal High School were also offered counselling on Wednesday as they grappled with the teenager's death. 

And players in the rugby league Buckley Shield clash between Kooringal and Tumut held a one-minute silence for the teen.

Following the fatal stabbing, investigators turned their attention to 29-year-old Bryce Cliff, who fled the house shortly before the victim’s body was discovered.

Cliff then allegedly broke into another house on Tichborne Crescent and assaulted a woman there before stealing her Toyota Camry.

After a “tip-off”, officers were able to locate and arrest the accused at Big Springs in the stolen Toyota, 20 kilometres south-east of Wagga.

Cliff appeared in a brief Wagga Local Court hearing Wednesday afternoon by audio visual link, where he was formally refused bail by the magistrate.

The accused frequently rubbed his hands against his face during the hearing.

The matter was adjourned until August 3.

Detectives who formed Strike Force Norlyn to investigate the 16-year-old boy’s murder have revealed additional details of the horrific stabbing.

During a press conference at Wagga police station Wednesday morning, Acting Superintendent Andrew Spliet said officers were combing the nearby Fife Garden in search of a weapon. 

“There are a number of crime scenes being examined and we are working around the clock for more information,” he said. 

“Police have spoken to a number of witnesses in relation to this incident.

Strike Force Norlyn detectives also confirmed the 16-year-old teenager had already died when paramedics arrived on the scene.

“Upon arrival the male was found deceased and there was nothing paramedics could do, despite their efforts to revive him,” Superintendent Spliet said. 

“We believe the victim and person of interest were well known to each other.

“All family members have been notified.”

And residents living near the Acacia Street home where a 16-year-old boy was murdered have told The Daily Advertiser of their shock, heart-break and disbelief. 

Tina Clarke, who has lived in the street for almost 10 years, was awoken by the sound of sirens and chaos late at night.

“It’s frightening, horrific and quite frankly it’s just sad and depressing. It’s such a tragedy for a young boy to lose his life,” Ms Clarke said.

 “People have been more violent lately, it’s such a shock but oddly expected.

“But it doesn’t matter what age you are, young or old everyone deserves to live.

“It seems the weather drowned out the horror.”

Kanishka Ildamadura, a father and husband living close to the home, said the teenagers of Acacia Street were “great kids”. 

“I didn’t know him personally, but the kids around are generally great,” he said.

“We’ve had nothing happen like this in the area and it’s a very chilling thing to happen in an otherwise calm place.”