Kylee McHugh murder suspect pleads not guilty in Belconnen case
Jack Henry Curtin, 27, has pleaded not guilty to murdering Kylee McHugh and setting fire to her Belconnen apartment on 18 May.
Jack Henry Curtin appeared in the ACT Magistrates Court on Tuesday and pleaded not guilty to charges of murder and arson in the death of Kylee McHugh. Ms McHugh was found dead in her Osborne Place apartment in Belconnen after firefighters were called to a fire.
A postmortem examination found she had numerous blunt force injuries, particularly to her face and neck, and possible defensive injuries to her hands. The neck injury was severe.
Court documents show the fire started in five different locations, with investigators finding evidence of ignitable liquid pour patterns. Tests found no carbon monoxide or cyanide in her blood, indicating she died before the fire spread.
Curtin's case has been adjourned to 3 December for a further pre-hearing mention.
- Jack Henry Curtin, 27
- Suspect age
- 18 May
- Death date
Why it mattersThe not guilty plea sets the path for trial. The evidence suggests a violent attack followed by an attempt to destroy evidence through fire.
AustraliaA significant ACT criminal case. The court proceedings will continue over coming months.
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