EXCLUSIVE: Shattered mother of nine-month-old baby X Factor star is accused of murder and breaks her silence after his shocking arrest in small country town: ‘Mommy loves you’
- Former X Factor contestant charged with murder
- Mitchell Callaway arrested in a NSW home
- Arrest follows five years of police investigation
The mother of the nine-month-old baby allegedly killed by X Factor star Mitchell Callaway has paid a heartbreaking tribute to the girl she lost five years ago.
Callaway, 37, was arrested around 9:45 a.m. Thursday at a home in Bowraville, on the north coast of NSW, and then taken to Macksville Police Station, where he was charged with murder.
Photos from his arrest show the former X Factor contestant being led out of the house in handcuffs while surrounded by detectives.
The arrest marked the end of a five-year investigation since the nine-month-old died in Binnaway, NSW central west, on July 23, 2018.
The little girl’s mother spoke out on Thursday to say the development in her daughter’s case was the “best news ever” after “all the years of pain, suffering and sorrow.”
The mother said there was still a “long road ahead” as the case progressed through the courts “but today we have witnessed the beginning of justice.”
The mother of the baby allegedly killed by former X Factor contestant Mitchell Callaway has paid a heartfelt tribute to her daughter
The little girl is remembered as the “definition of perfect” and “the happiest” baby
“She has been the reason I kept fighting, living and coming this far,” the mother said in a statement.
“Not a day goes by that I don’t miss you and wish you were here. This won’t bring you back, but it will bring you some peace and the justice you deserve. Forever my little girl.
“Mommy loves you.”
Tributes posted online at the time of the little girl’s death described her as a “precious daughter” and “adored and beloved great-granddaughter, granddaughter, niece and nephew.”
Mourners invited to her funeral were asked to wear “colorful” clothes to “celebrate the first birthday she never had.”
“She was the definition of perfect,” reads the obituary.
“She was the happiest, happiest, cheekiest baby who melted the hearts of everyone who met her.”
Footage from his arrest shows Callaway being led out of the house in handcuffs while surrounded by several detectives
Callaway, 37, was arrested at about 9.45am on Thursday morning at a home in Bowraville, central west NSW. He was taken to the Macksville Police Department and charged with murder
Mitchell Callaway has been charged with the death of a nine month old baby girl (he is pictured performing on X Factor Australia in 2011)
On July 23, 2018, emergency services were called to Binnaway’s home following reports that the nine-month-old baby had become unresponsive.
The little girl was rushed to Coonabarabran Hospital where she died a short time later, despite the best efforts of staff and paramedics.
After receiving new information, officers investigating the baby’s death executed a search warrant at a house in Binnaway, in the state’s central west, on May 31.
After further investigation, detectives working under Strike Force King arrested Callaway on Thursday and charged him with murder.
He has been denied bail and is due to appear in Macksville District Court on Thursday.
Callaway competed on season three of the TV show X Factor Australia in 2011 and placed 7th in the competition.
The former singer was booted in week six after outperforming fellow contestant Johnny Ruffo, who placed third in the competition and subsequently signed a recording contract with Sony Music Australia.
Callaway auditioned for the show performing Keith Urban’s song Tonight I Wanna Cry.