12-Year-Old Alleged Murderer Relocated to Customized Accommodation
The girl reportedly fatally stabbed a 37-year-old woman in Footscray, located in Melbourne’s inner-west, in November 2023.
A 12-year-old accused murderer has expressed a desire to be relocated to new customized housing, as a judge has officially approved her transfer.
The girl, whose identity cannot be disclosed for legal reasons, allegedly stabbed the 37-year-old woman to death in Footscray, Melbourne’s inner-west, in November 2023.
She has been charged with murder and released on bail to a secure welfare facility.
A psychiatrist is evaluating the child’s criminal responsibility age, also known as doli incapax.
As the child’s guardian, the Department of Families, Fairness, and Housing has been renovating specialized accommodation for the girl to be securely housed while undergoing assessment for the murder charge.
Previously, the court heard that the girl has made threats to harm staff and other children at the secure welfare facility, including threatening to “burn the place down.”
Appearing via video link in the Supreme Court on April 15, the court was informed that police had inspected the new accommodation and deemed it suitable.
“Victoria Police now confirms the security of the facility,” a prosecutor informed the court.
The lawyer representing the 12-year-old mentioned that she is eager to move to the new accommodation and requested that she not be handcuffed by police during the transfer.
Justice James Elliott ordered a variation in the child’s bail to allow her relocation to the new site on Monday afternoon, April 15.
She is scheduled to appear in court again on May 16.