THE GRIEF-STRICKEN family of murdered 16-year-old James Boonjune Cleghorn has spoken heart-wrenching words about their “compassionate, beautiful” boy.
Mourning the sudden loss of their son, brother and friend, those closest to James Cleghorn have publicly spoken of the horrific killing.
“James is a kind and beautiful soul taken too soon from this horrific crime,” a statement from the family read.
“(The) family is grieving over the loss of their beloved boy James, and is asking for some privacy and respect while working though this difficult time.”
And in a death notice published in the Weekend Advertiser, the family said James will be “sadly missed by his extended family and many friends”.
Tributes and tears also continue to flow in Wagga’s community, after the Kooringal 16-year-old was taken too soon after his tragic passing on Tuesday night.
Strike Force Noryln detectives have continued to investigate the fatal stabbing and have recovered a number of knives and clothing items which are currently undergoing forensic tests.
A post mortem has also been conducted on James’ body in Newcastle.
Results are expected to be due some time next week.
Wagga police crime manager Detective Inspector Darren Cloake told The Daily Advertiser it has emerged that the accused Bryce Cliff allegedly hurled off his clothing while he ran from the house.
“He started to disrobe while being chased and lost a pile of clothes in his wake, and a lot of those items have now been recovered,” Detective Inspector Cloake alleged.
“We're still interested to hear from the community, who may be able to fill some of the gaps in the timeline between 8pm and 12.30am on Tuesday night.
“The crime scene has also now been opened.”
It is understood the family will hold a religious ceremony at the property as part of James’ farewell.
And the family’s local business has been closed to the public while those close to James grapple with their grief.
Bryce Cliff, the 29-year-old man accused of murdering James, will remain in custody until he faces his next court hearing on August 3.
Cliff was the estranged boyfriend of James’ half-sister, NSW Police’s homicide squad believe.
James, a year 11 student at Kooringal High School, was described as a “gentle, beautiful soul” by his classmates and close friends.
He had previously played cricket for Lake Albert and was a member of the school’s student representative council and maths challenge team in year 7.
Funeral details have yet to be released publicly.
The Weekend Advertiser avoided naming James Cleghorn until his family gave permission to do so.