Man charged with horrific murder dies of cancer while awaiting trial

A man who was accused of stabbing another man to death after an argument sparked by a romantic rivalry died of cancer awaiting trial.

A Sydney man allegedly killed his North Bondi roommate’s boyfriend after a late night argument sparked by a romantic rivalry spilled over into violence, a court has heard.

The details of the alleged killing were revealed during a coronial inquest into the death of Milo Wild who died from cancer while he was in jail facing murder charges.

Mr Wild, 28, was alleged to have fatally stabbed Jordan Byrne in the stomach at his Military Rd unit in August 2018.

He was awaiting trial when he died in May 2019, with the inquest hearing that his condition deteriorated rapidly after the lymphoma spread from his stomach to his central nervous system and eventually to his brain.

Counsel assisting the coroner Jason Downing told the court during his opening address on Monday that at the time of the alleged murder, Mr Wild was living with roommate Natasha Jones.

Milo Wild was alleged to have murdered Jordan Byrne before his death while in custody. Picture: Supplied.

On the evening of 26 August, Ms Jones and her boyfriend Mr Byrne had gone to sleep when Mr Wild returned to his unit with a group of friends after a night out.

“One of those friends was previously in a romantic relationship with Mr Byrne, and upon seeing him with Ms Jones became upset,” Mr Downing told deputy state coroner Elizabeth Ryan.

Mr Downing said that the verbal altercation turned violent and Mr Wild stabbed Mr Byrne in the stomach two to three times.

Mr Byrne was rushed into surgery but later died of his injuries before Mr Wild was charged with his murder.

Jordan Byrne was allegedly murdered by Milo Wild inside a North Bondi apartment. Picture: Facebook.

Jordan Byrne, pictured with Kings Cross identity John Ibrahim, was allegedly murdered by Milo Wild inside a North Bondi apartment. Picture: Facebook.

Mr Downing said that Mr Wild had a long and complicated medical history, including being diagnosed with Moyamoya disease - a blood vessel disorder which restricts blood flow to the brain.

He underwent surgery at Prince of Wales Hospital to correct the condition while in custody in February 2019.

On the day he was returned to custody in March 2019, he reported general weakness and feeling febrile.

He was returned to hospital and scans revealed he had enlarged lymph nodes in his stomach and he was diagnosed with cancer.

He was due to undergo a third round of chemotherapy but it had to be cancelled because he was feeling unwell, and scans later revealed that the cancer had spread to his brain.

In April 2019 he fell in the prison bathroom after suffering a seizure, resulting in him suffering cuts to his head and chin.

The unit block where Jordan Byrne was allegedly murdered by Milo Wild. Picture: John Grainger.

He died on 16 May 2019 while in hospital.

Mr Downing told the court that the inquest would examine whether there were errors in the care he was offered and whether his cancer could have been detected sooner.

“In relation to the cause of death, consider whether the symptoms Mr Wild was experiencing should have led to an earlier diagnosis,” Mr Downing said.

“Also whether an earlier diagnosis could have resulted in better outcomes.

“Also whether Mr Wild’s status as a prisoner reduced his chances of survival.”

The inquest continues.