Tre James Rudolph: Hamilton man charged with murder and sexual assault three-month-old baby

A Hamilton South man has been identified as the person charged with the murder and sexual assault of a three-month-old baby girl.

Tre James Rudolph charged with murder and sexual assault of a three- month-old baby. Supplied

A Newcastle man accused of raping and murdering a three-month-old baby girl has now been identified as 24-year-old Tre James Rudolph.

Emergency services were called to a unit in Hamilton South at around 10.40am on August 4 last year, after reports a baby was found unresponsive.

The child was rushed to John Hunter Hospital but died a short time later.

Tre James Rudolph charged with murder and sexual assault of a three- month-old baby. Supplied

24-year-old Rudolph will be back in court in March. Supplied

Newcastle detectives established a crime scene at the unit and it was examined by specialist forensic police.

A post mortem was conducted and Strike Force Giffen was set up to investigate the baby’s death.

In December, Rudolph was arrested by detectives and charged with murder and having sexual intercourse with a child aged under 10.

In Newcastle Local Court on Wednesday Rudolph did not appear via video link but he was represented by Aboriginal Legal Service solicitor Elana Scoufis.

The court heard a brief had been received and Prosecutor Sergeant Ashley Cooper asked for a four week adjournment.

No pleas to either charges were made. Bail was formally refused.

Rudolph’s matters will return to court next month.