Mitchell Callaway charged over murder of baby

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Former X-Factor contestant Mitchell Callaway has been charged over the murder of a baby and was refused bail at a NSW court on Thursday.

About 10am on July 23, 2018, emergency services were called to a home at Binnaway in the NSW central west following reports a nine-month-old girl was unresponsive.

Mitchell Callaway, who has been charged with murdering a baby girl, performing on the X-Factor.

The baby was taken to Coonabarabran Hospital by NSW Ambulance Paramedics. Despite the efforts of staff she died a short time later.

Detectives from the Orana Mid-Western Police District have been investigating the circumstances of the baby's death, and after receiving new information, officers executed a crime scene warrant at a Binnaway home on May 31.

After further inquiries, detectives arrested 37-year-old Callaway at a home in Bowraville about 9.45am on Thursday.

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

Police arrested Mitchell Callaway at Bowraville on Thursday morning.Credit: NSW Police

The former singer did not apply for bail when he fronted Macksville Local Court and it was subsequently refused. He is due to next appear for mention on June 13 at Coffs Harbour.

Callaway was a contestant on season 3 of The X Factor in 2011. He came 7th in the competition and was mentored by singer Natalie Bassingthwaighte.

The former singer lost in week 6 of the competition during the final showdown against Johnny Ruffo.

Judges Guy Sebastian and Mel B voted for Callaway to be eliminated after he performed I Won't Let Go by Rascal Flatts, while Bassingthwaighte and Ronan Keating voted for him to stay in the competition.

In his audition, Callaway performed Tonight I Wanna Cry by Keith Urban.

Other songs performed by Callaway included Only Girl (In the World) by Rhianna and All Summer Long by Kid Rock.

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