Mitchell Callaway, a former X Factor Australia contestant, is facing charges for the murder of a nine-month-old girl after a lengthy police investigation. The 38-year-old was arrested in Bowraville on the NSW Mid North Coast in June last year, following a five-year inquiry into the child’s death in Binnaway, central western NSW, back in July 2018.
Callaway, who had been in custody for six months, was granted bail by the NSW Supreme Court in December. His release conditions included reporting daily to the police, living with his parents in Bowraville, and providing a $600,000 surety.
During the court hearing on Friday, it was revealed that Callaway has been battling cancer, though his solicitor, Stephen Dickens, informed the court that his condition is now in remission.
Emergency services were called to a Binnaway residence in 2018 after the baby girl was found unresponsive. Paramedics rushed her to Coonabarabran Hospital, where she was pronounced dead shortly after.
Following her death, the police established Strike Force King to investigate the circumstances surrounding the tragedy, which ultimately led to Callaway’s arrest and murder charges.
