Mitchell David Callaway escapes murder charges in baby Harper-Gaynor Morris case

In Australia, Harper-Gaynor Morris, a nine-month-old baby girl, was found unresponsive at a home in Binnaway, New South Wales, on July 23, 2018, and later died at a hospital. The former X-Factor star Mitchell David Callaway was accused of her murder shortly thereafter, but nearly 18 months later, the prosecution withdrew the charge against him in Dubbo Local Court. This decision shocked and devastated Harper's family, who expressed their frustration and heartache over the lack of justice for their beloved daughter. The withdrawal of the charges came after a significant delay, during which Harper's mother had to navigate her grief over the loss of her child. In October 2018, just months after the incident, Harper's mother was granted an Apprehended Violence Order (AVO) against Callaway, indicating earlier domestic violence issues. Callaway, who was sentenced to a 12-month Community Correction Order for firearm offenses, seemed to remain out of legal trouble until his recent arrest in June of the previous year. On the day of Harper's death, Callaway had been babysitting her when her mother returned home to find her unconscious. Paramedics rushed the infant to Coonabarabran Hospital, where she was pronounced dead shortly after arrival. During the trial, Callaway's legal defense stated there was no solid evidence linking his actions to Harper's cardiac arrest and argued that her injuries might have occurred days prior to her death. This lack of conclusive evidence ultimately played a crucial role in the prosecution's decision to drop the charge against him. Harper's mother publicly expressed her ongoing pain and the longing for justice for her daughter, stating 'Not a day goes by that I do not miss you and wish you were here.' Despite the legal setbacks, she found solace in the possibility of some measure of peace for her beloved child. Callaway's history of domestic violence and the disturbing circumstances surrounding Harper's tragic death have drawn significant public attention and controversy about the justice system's handling of such sensitive cases, highlighting the grief and unresolved anger experienced by families who are left without answers regarding their loved ones' untimely deaths.