‘Severely unwell': New details emerge about foreign exchange ‘murder'
The two girls, aged 14 and 13, were both staying with the same host family in Edgeworth Newcastle, NSW, when the incident took place.
The older girl was allegedly stabbed in the torso late on Monday night and, despite being rushed to John Hunter Hospital, succumbed to her injuries.
The 13-year-old was arrested at the scene and charged with murder the following day.
Now it has emerged that the younger girl is 'severely unwell' and on numerous medications.
The case was heard in Broadmeadow Children's Court on Wednesday.
Magistrate Andrew Eckhold acknowledged a 'clear mental health nexus' in the case but noted the seriousness of the charge.
The girl did not apply for bail, which was subsequently refused.
NSW Police stated both girls were part of the same cultural exchange program and staying with the same host family.
They had arrived in Australia eight days prior and were scheduled to leave on August 16. It is believed they did not know each other before the program.
Police are investigating the relationship between the girls, with Superintendent Tracy Chapman noting the complexities due to language barriers and the girls' non-resident status.
Meanwhile The Council of Australian Student Exchange Organisations (CASEO) released a statement on Wednesday, offering 'heartfelt condolences' to those affected.
CASEO clarified that the girls were part of a 'study abroad program' rather than a student exchange program, 7News reported.
'While both involve international students studying overseas, there are important legal and operational distinctions in NSW,' CASEO explained.
They highlighted that student exchange programs are reciprocal arrangements requiring host family placement and school enrolment for a set period, regulated by specific guidelines.
In contrast, study abroad programs involve full-fee paying students without the same formal structure.
CASEO emphasised the NSW Government's regulatory focus on exchange programs exceeding 12 weeks or 10 weeks in school, noting that study abroad programs fall outside this scope.
'CASEO deeply values the safety and welfare of all young people engaging in student exchange or cultural programs,' the statement continued. 'Although the affected students were not under an exchange arrangement governed by CASEO's member organisation, we offer our deepest sympathies at this difficult time.'
The 13-year-old is due to appear in court again in October with a Mandarin interpreter.
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