NSW Police charge former X-Factor star with murder of infant girl in central west

A former X-Factor contestant has been charged with the murder of a nine-month-old baby girl almost five years ago.

Former X-Factor contestant Mitchell Callaway has been charged with murder of a nine-month-old baby girl.

NSW Police have charged the 37-year-old man with murder following an investigation into the circumstances of the death of a baby in the state’s Central West, in 2018.

Emergency services were called to the home following reports a nine-month-old girl was unresponsive at about 10am.

Former X-Factor contestant Mitchell Callaway has been charged with the alleged murder of a nine-month-old baby. Picture: NSW Police

Mr Callaway competed in the third season of X-Factor competition in 2011.

The baby was taken to Coonabarabran Hospital and, despite the efforts of medical staff, she died a short time later.

Detectives from Orana Mid-Western Police District have been investigating the circumstances surrounding the girl’s death under Strike Force King.

After receiving new information, strike force officers executed a crime scene warrant at a home at Binnaway on May 31, 2023.

Following further inquiries, detectives arrested Mr Callaway at a Bowraville home at 9.45am on Thursday.

Police allegedly investigated Mr Callaway after the nine-month-old girl died. Picture: NSW Police

He was taken to Macksville Police Station and charged with murder.

Mr Callaway appeared briefly in Macksville Local Court on Thursday on one count of murder.

The matter was adjourned and he will appear in court again next week.

Mr Callaway competed in the third season of the popular singing competition in 2011 before he was eliminated from the competition in week 6. He finished in seventh place.

Originally published as NSW Police charge former X-Factor star with murder of infant girl in central west