Driver refused bail after siblings killed

NewsWire

2 September 2023 at 5:44 pm·2-min read

Henkenberg Crash — Sickening video has emerged online of the car wreck where two young siblings died in a crash in Sydney’s west. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Jeremy Piper

A man accused of causing a horror crash in Sydney’s west that killed a woman and her 15-year-old brother will remain behind bars on remand after being refused bail.

Police allege Johnson Kokozian, 20, was behind the wheel of a black Mercedes when it collided head-on with a Toyota Echo shortly after 9pm in Heckenberg on Friday.

Johnson Kokozian, 20, who is charged with two counts of dangerous driving causing the death of siblings Alina Kauffman, 24, and her brother Ernesto, 15. Picture: Facebook

Paramedics treated the driver of the Echo, Alina Kauffman, 24, and her teen brother Ernesto at the scene but the siblings passed away as a result of the crash.

A further two motorists were uninjured after police allege Mr Kokozian collided with their Toyota RAV4 SUV after hitting the Echo, before flipping the vehicle on its side.

Paramedics treated the driver of the Echo, Alina Kauffman, 24, and her teen brother Ernesto at the scene. Picture: Supplied

Tragically, Ernesto, 15, died at the scene with his sister. Picture; Supplied

Officers allege the occupants of the black Mercedes left the scene after the crash.

Following an urgent investigation, Mr Kokozian was arrested at Liverpool police station on Saturday afternoon and charged with a slew of driving-related offences.

Two Dead Following Crash Near Liverpool — Two siblings died during a head-on collision with a Mercedes on Sadlier Ave in Heckenberg on Friday night. Picture: NCA NewsWire/ Julian Andrews

The 20-year-old faces two counts of dangerous driving occasion death, failing to assist after a fatal crash, negligent driving occasioning death, and driving while disqualified.

Mr Kokozian was denied bail at Parramatta Bail Court on Sunday Magistrate Robert Rabbidge after police cited unacceptable risks that could result from his release.

Police prosecutors alleged in court risks posed by Mr Kokozian’s release included committing a further serious offence and endangering the safety of victims or the community.

Officers also stressed the risk that Mr Kokozian may not appear before the court at the future occasions.

He will remain behind bars on remand before reappearing before Liverpool Local Court on Wednesday.

A six-second video circulated online on Sunday of the moments after the crash showing the two siblings sitting inside the wreckage, The Daily Telegraph reports.

The gruesome video shows the young people close to death but no attempt made by the camera operator to offer first aid.