Man accused of killing 18-year-old girlfriend tells court 'I'm a murderer'
The 20-year-old man accused of killing his 18-year-old girlfriend in their Maitland home has seemingly confessed to the crime, stating "I am a murderer" multiple times during his first court appearance.
Appearing in Newcastle Bail Court via audiovisual link on Sunday, Jordan Brodie Miller had multiple outbursts before his solicitor asked for the connection to be cut off.
Mr Miller is accused of murdering Emerald Wardle after her body was found in a house in the early hours of Saturday morning.
Police found the body of Emerald Wardle on Saturday morning at a home in Maitland, in the lower Hunter Valley. Credit:Facebook
The Newcastle Herald reports that his lawyer, Gillian Jewison, was arguing for a possible suppression order when Mr Miller said: "I'm a murderer."
"Am I able to speak?" Mr Miller asked. "Have I got the legal right to speak right now, judge?"
Ms Jewison then asked Mr Miller to remain silent before he again told the court he was a murderer before launching into further details about the days leading up to the alleged crime.
"On Thursday night, I stole Emerald's car while she was asleep," he said. "I drove to her favourite spot in Morpeth..."
Ms Jewison then asked the link be cut off and Mr Miller was removed from the screen.
As a result, his lawyer requested that Mr Miller undergo a mental health assessment, with registrar Steve Mannall ordering a full medical and psychological assessment for Mr Miller once transported to a correctional centre.
Ms Jewison continued to apply for a suppression order as a result of the outburst but Mr Mannall rejected the request.
Officers spoke to Mr Miller outside the home after Ms Wardle's body was found about 1.30am on Saturday.
After a "short scuffle", Mr Miller was arrested before he was later charged with murder, said Detective Inspector Ranald Urquhart, crime manager for the Port Stephens-Hunter Police District.
"Domestic violence does not respect age; domestic violence can involve people of all ages," Detective Inspector Urquhart said. "It's too early in the investigation to speculate on motive."
Neighbours told Nine News they were shocked at what had happened.
"It is devastating," one neighbour said. "Any loss is never good, but especially so young and with the world at their feet."
The matter will be heard at Maitland Local Court on Wednesday.
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