Former university graduate charged with murder in Mullumbimby

A former university graduate from Melbourne has been charged with murdering a 23-year-old woman in Mullumbimby, a town in New South Wales' Northern Rivers region. Jai Oden-Jenkins, 29, moved to Mullumbimby a few years ago and lived in a unit block on Poinciana Street, according to police and local reports. Police were called to his Flat at 11:55 p.m. last Friday after reports of a domestic incident. Neighbours told the Daily Mail they heard loud noises and shouting that night. Officers found a young woman's body inside the residence.

Oden-Jenkins was arrested and taken to Byron Bay Police Station, where, after inquiries, he was charged with murder (domestic violence). A crime scene was established and investigators are examining the circumstances surrounding the incident. The victim has not yet been publicly identified. Oden-Jenkins was refused bail and is due to appear before Parramatta Bail Court via video link on Sunday. A coroner's report will be prepared.

Neighbors described a visible contrast in the household dynamics, with one street resident noting that Oden-Jenkins and a young woman who may be the alleged victim appeared to be living a "very different lifestyle." He declined to comment further, saying the situation was "very raw at the moment." Mullumbimby, located northwest of Byron Bay, is known for its hippie subculture and counter-cultural vibe in Australia’s Northern Rivers region. Police said the inquiry remains active as investigators gather evidence to determine the sequence of events leading up to the death, and the coroner will be advised as appropriate.