James Hachem charged with alleged murder of Samah Baker
Samah Baker knew the man who allegedly killed her, police say, as they continue to search for the Sydney woman’s body and a car they believe is linked to her murder.
Parramatta
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Samah Baker knew the man who allegedly killed her, police say, as they continue to search for the Sydney woman’s body and a car they believe is linked to her murder.
A 32-year-old man, who was seen on CCTV with Ms Baker at the Vibe Hotel before she went missing, has been charged with her murder.
James Hachem, 32, was arrested at Hurstville shopping centre at 10.30am on Friday, March 8.
It’s understood the pair knew each other.
He will remain behind bars as police continue their search for her body.
Mr Hachem was pictured on CCTV footage with Ms Baker in the elevator of the Vibe Hotel on the day she went missing.
She was last seen by a friend after being dropped at her Parramatta home in the early hours of January 4. Relatives reported the 30-year-old missing later that day after they couldn’t get in touch with her.
Acting Assistant Commissioner Julie Boon described Hachem only as an “acquaintance” of Ms Baker.
“At this stage, police are just looking at one person but investigations are continuing,” she told reporters at Parramatta on Saturday.
Police are now appealing for anyone who saw a 2014 silver Mitsubishi Lancer in Parramatta between 1am and 4am on January 4 or along the Hume Highway between 5pm that day and 5am January 5.
“Police believe a person of interest was in a silver Mitsubishi Lancer and it is related to the disappearance of Samah,” Supt Boon said.
She said Ms Baker’s family were “extremely distressed” after being told of Hachem’s arrest.
“We are of course hopeful that Samah’s body will be found so her family can put her to rest.”
On Wednesday, investigators began a forensic search of bushland at Yarra, southwest of Goulburn. Officers found several items they believe may be relevant to the investigation and are now having them forensically tested.
Attentions were centred on a French VC truck stop on the Hume Highway.
Superintendent Julie Boon, from Parramatta police said Ms Baker’s family were devastated.
“Samah’s family were informed of Friday’s development, and of course they are extremely distressed,” Supt. Boon said.
Mr Hachem did not appear via video link when the case was briefly mentioned at Parramatta Bail Court today.
Mr Hachem’s defence barrister, Warwick Korn, told the court he was having trouble contacting Hachem, who is in custody at Sydney Police Centre in Surry Hills.
Hundreds of prison officers in NSW were ordered back to work after taking unauthorised strike action on Friday, after a spate of assaults at Goulburn’s Supermax prison.
Despite being ordered back to work, a shortage of prison officers continues to cause delays.
The case has been adjourned until Tuesday.
- with AAP