By Lisa Visentin and Laura Chung
A 20-year-old man has been charged with the murder of his 18-year-old girlfriend, whose body was discovered by police in a Maitland home in the early hours of Saturday morning.
Police found Emerald Wardle's body inside a home on Galway Crescent, at about 1.30am. Her cause of death is under investigation.
Officers spoke to Jordan Brodie Miller outside the home and after a "short scuffle" he was arrested, said Detective Inspector Ranald Urquhart, crime manager for the Port Stephens-Hunter Police District.
"Domestic violence does not respect age, domestic violence can involve people of all ages," Detective Inspector Urquhart said. But "it's too early in the investigation to speculate on motive."
Police found the body of Emerald Wardle on Saturday morning at a home in Maitland, in the lower Hunter Valley. Credit: Facebook
Neighbours told Nine News they were shocked at what had happened.
"It is devastating," one neighbour said. "Any loss is never good, but especially so young and had the world at their feet."
Mr Miller was taken to Maitland Police Station, where he was charged with murder. He has been refused bail to appear at Newcastle Local Court on Sunday.
Anyone with information about the incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Mensline: 1300 789 978
1800 RESPECT: 1800 737 732