On Jul 5, 2018, the quiet suburbs of Sydney, Australia, were shattered by a horrific event. Fifteen-year-old Jack Edwards and his 13-year-old sister, Jennifer, were found dead in their home, gunned down by their father, John Edwards.
Their heartbroken mother, Olga, was left to deal with the pain of a tragedy that could have been prevented.
John Edwards, 67, had a long history of violence. His past was marked by failed marriages and abusive behavior, red flags that authorities tragically overlooked. Despite his extensive record of domestic violence toward his six wives and multiple children, Edwards was able to obtain a gun license and acquire firearms—one of which he used to kill Jack and Jennifer.
A History of Abuse and Control
John Edwards’ violent tendencies were no secret. His life had been characterized by six failed marriages, each ending with accusations of abuse and manipulation. When he married Olga in 2001, his sixth wife, he portrayed himself as a wealthy, former military man, offering her the promise of a better life in Australia. But the reality soon became clear—John was controlling and abusive, dictating her appearance and isolating her from any life outside their family.
His children, Jack and Jennifer, also became victims of his violent temper. Olga later revealed that John had nearly strangled Jack during a family vacation. This was just one of many violent incidents she would eventually disclose to police.
Ignored Warnings
By 2016, after years of enduring John’s abuse, Olga filed for divorce, seeking to protect herself and her children. She reported his violent behavior to authorities, detailing the physical abuse against both her and their children.
Despite her concerns, the court granted John shared custody of Jack and Jennifer, allowing him regular access to the children.
Olga feared for their safety, but her warnings were largely ignored. John had preemptively discredited Olga to the police, calling her “crazy” and suggesting she might make false claims against him.
Shockingly, his strategy worked. Olga’s reports were dismissed, and authorities failed to check on the welfare of Jack and Jennifer—standard protocol in domestic violence cases that was shamefully overlooked here.
Despite his history of abuse, John faced no significant legal consequences and continued his life unchecked.
A Deadly Loophole
John Edwards’ need for control didn’t end with the divorce. As Olga worked to rebuild her life and protect her children, John sought a darker path to punish her. Twice, his applications for a gun license were rejected due to his violent history.
But in 2018, he exploited a loophole in Australia’s gun laws—gaining a Commissioner’s Permit, which allowed him access to firearms despite prior denials.
In the months leading up to the murders, John purchased three rifles and a pistol. Although one shooting club expelled him for aggressive behavior, another accepted him, allowing him to continue practicing for what would become a deadly act.
The Day of the Murders
On Jul 4, 2018, John Edwards broke into a locker at his gun club and stole a pistol. The next day, he followed his daughter Jennifer home from school to the house she shared with Jack and Olga. When Jennifer saw his car, she ran inside, terrified. Jack and Jennifer huddled under a desk, clinging to each other in fear.
John entered the house and fired 14 shots, killing both of his children. He then drove home and took his own life, evading justice.
The Aftermath
On the day of the incident, Olga was running errands, unaware of the nightmare at home. When she returned that evening, the silence felt ominous. Calling out to Jack and Jennifer with no response, her concern turned to panic. Entering Jack’s room, she found her children huddled under his desk, their lifeless bodies still embracing.
The horror of the scene and the unbearable grief led her to take her own life five months later, unable to cope with the loss.
An investigation into the murders revealed a cascade of failures by the police and other authorities. Despite numerous warnings, John Edwards was allowed to obtain firearms and ultimately kill his children.
A coroner’s report concluded that Jack and Jennifer’s deaths could have been prevented if authorities had acted on the information they had.
A Systemic Failure
John Edwards was more than just a violent man—he was a narcissist, obsessed with controlling his family. Criminologist David Wilson, who studied the case, noted that men like John often see their family members as possessions, objects they can dominate. When Olga tried to escape his control, his response was as brutal as it was inevitable.
The deaths of Jack and Jennifer Edwards are a heartbreaking reminder of the deadly consequences of ignored red flags and systemic failures. This was a case where intervention was not only possible—it was essential. Yet, the system allowed a violent man to carry out his plan, leaving two innocent children dead and a family utterly destroyed.
