08 June 2023 , 09:38
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A former X Factor contestant has been charged with murder of a baby following a five year police investigation.
Mitchell Callaway, who appeared on the Australian version of the show, was pictured being led from a home in Bowraville, New South Wales on Thursday morning following his arrest.
The 37-year-old was later charged with the murder of the 9-month-old at Macksville Police Station.
Emergency services were called to a home in Binnaway on July 23, 2018 at about 10am after reports of an unresponsive baby girl.
The child was taken to Coonabarabran Hospital and, despite the efforts of medical staff, she died a short time later.
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Detectives from Orana Mid-Western Police District have been investigating the circumstances surrounding the girl’s death under Strike Force King.
He appeared on the show in 2011 (Seven Network)Officers investigation the baby's death received new information which saw them execute a search warrant at a home in Binnaway on May 31.
Further inquires led to detectives arresting and charging Callaway on Thursday June 8 at 9:45 am.
Callaway has been refused bail and is due at Macksville Local Court on Thursday.
He appeared briefly in Macksville Local Court on Thursday on one count of murder.
He will next appear before Coffs Harbour local court on Tuesday.
The singer appeared in season 3 of X Factor Australia back in 2011.
He made up part of the Over 25s category and was mentored by Natalie Bassingthwaighte.
Callaway was eliminated from the competition in Week 6, finishing in 7th place after losing the sing-off to Johnny Ruffo.
He auditioned for the show with Keith Urban's song Tonight I Wanna Cry.
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