Killed mother sought help for son

Joan Hendry

A teenager who allegedly stabbed his mother to death in White Gum Valley on Monday night may have had a psychotic episode after earlier seeking hospital treatment.

The major crime squad is investigating the death of Joan Hendry, 52, who died after an apparent frenzied incident at her Stevens Street house just after 11.30pm.

Ms Hendry's 19-year-old son Gabe Lang is in hospital with critical injuries from what are believed to be self-inflicted knife wounds.

"We saw him come out and fall into a car bonnet with what looked like a stab wound on his neck," one neighbour said.

Several neighbours said they heard screams coming from the house before the sound of sirens.

Ms Hendry's partner Bruce Abbott and her daughter Rosie Lang were also injured in the incident that left a community bewildered and heartbroken.

"It is such a tragedy and will be a big loss," Frank Sander, Ms Hendry's friend of more than 20 years, said.

"People are looking for answers.

"We called her Joanie the one and only - she was a very exquisite woman."

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Killed mother sought help for son