Charlise Mutten’s accused murderer asks for isolation in prison

The man that has been accused and charged with the murder of nine-year-old girl Charlise Mutten in the Blue Mountains, has requested to be kept apart from other inmates for his own safety.

The man’s barrister shared this information with news crews on Wednesday, January 19, saying that “he has asked the court to recommend a no association classification.”

Meanwhile, New South Wales Police Deputy Commissioner Dave Hudson said that police are still investigating the murder, and are appealing for anyone who saw Charlise to please come forward.

“What we are sure of is that (we will allege) the accused we have charged with murder was responsible for placing her in the barrel and placing the barrel in bushland,” he said.

“We keep an open mind. We investigate, we don’t speculate,” Deputy Commissioner Hudson said.

This news comes as a vigil was held at Charlise’s school, Tweed Heads Public School, on Wednesday afternoon.

Over 100 people attended the event, according to ABC News.

Teacher, Sophie Cutler said “Charlise was universally loved by everyone in this school.”

“Her enthusiasm, positivity and warm, genuine and bubbly personality made our school a much better place.

“She would regularly stick her head in at various classrooms in the morning just before school had started just to say hello and check how her favourite teachers’ day was going.”

New South Police Released a statement on Wednesday, January 19 before the man faced court. That statement said:

“A man will face court today charged with murder following an investigation into the disappearance of a nine-year-old girl.

“Strike Force Buena was established by Blue Mountains Police Area Command, assisted by the State Crime Command’s Homicide Squad, to investigate the disappearance of a nine-year-old girl after she was reported missing from Mt Wilson on Friday (14 January 2022).

“Following extensive investigations, officers attached to the strike force yesterday (Tuesday 18 January 2022), conducted a search in the vicinity of the Colo River.

“With the assistance of the Police Divers, Hawkesbury Police Area Command, Public Order and Riot Squad (PORS), Operational Support Group (OSG) and Police Rescue Squad, the body of a child was located in a barrel. The body is yet to be formally identified.

“A crime scene was established and is being examined by specialist forensic officers.

“As part of ongoing investigations, detectives attached to Strike Force Buena attended a unit in Riley Street, Surry Hills about 8.30pm last night (Tuesday 18 January 2022), and arrested a 31-year-old man.

“He was taken to Surry Hills Police Station and charged with murder.

“The man was refused bail to appear in Central Local Court today (Wednesday 19 January 2022).

“Investigations under Strike Force Buena are continuing.”

More to come as this story develops.