The grieving mother of a 10-month-old baby girl who was allegedly murdered by a former X-Factor star has spoken out.
Police arrested and charged Mitchell Callaway with murder on Thursday, five years after the baby’s death.
Emergency services were called to a property in NSW’s Central West in 2018 following reports a baby girl was found unresponsive at about 10am.
The child was transported to Coonabarabran Hospital, but despite the best efforts of medical staff, died a short time later.
Detectives from Orana Mid-Western Police District have been investigating the circumstances surrounding the girl’s death under Strike Force King.
After receiving new information, officers executed a crime scene warrant at a home at Binnaway on May 31, 2023.
Following further inquiries, detectives arrested Mr Callaway at a Bowraville home at 9.45am on Thursday, before taking him to Macksville Police Station where he was charged with murder.
The little girl’s mother has now spoken out, saying her daughter’s memory has been her lifeline for the past five years as she deals with heartache and grief.
Taking to social media, the mum said she was elated following the arrest despite having a “long road” ahead with court proceedings, 7 News reports.
“She has been the reason I have continued to fight, live and have made it this far,” she said.
“Not a day goes by that I do not miss you and wish you were here.
“This doesn’t bring you back but it does bring you some peace and the justice you deserve. Forever my little girl. Mummy loves you, xx.”
The little girl was farewelled by family at a colourful funeral to commemorate the “first birthday she never got to have”.
An obituary described her as the “definition of perfect”, and is being remembered as a happy, smiley and cheeky baby.
“(She) melted the hearts of everyone that met her,” it read.
The alleged killer briefly faced Macksville Local Court on Thursday for one count of murder, but the matter was adjourned and he will face court again next week.
Mr Callaway competed in the third season of the popular singing competition X-Factor in 2011 before he was eliminated from the competition in week 6. He finished in seventh place.
– With NCA Newswire