Slain mum partner faces drug counts
THE boyfriend of a mother of four who was fatally shot in her Whittington home cried out, “I didn’t do it” while being led from the courtroom yesterday.
Harry Watson, 25, appeared in the Geelong Magistrates’ Court charged with drugs and firearms offences.
The Whittington man was charged with trafficking heroin, possession of heroin and a prohibited person possessing a firearm.
Police and emergency services were called to Conrad Crt, where Emily Miller was found with a gunshot wound about 9.20pm on Wednesday.
The 31-year-old mother of four was taken to hospital where she died as a result of her injuries.
Mr Watson, who has been in custody since the night of the shooting, sat quietly in the dock during the short court hearing.
His lawyer, Simon O’Halloran, told the court his client was withdrawing from heroin and was vulnerable in custody due to the heavy media attention surrounding the case.
Mr Watson was supported in court by two women.
He spoke only at the conclusion of the hearing, when he blew a kiss to the supporters and said, “I love you” and “I didn’t do it”.
Ms Miller, who is being mourned by friends and family, referred to herself online as a “proud mummy” and posted pictures of her kids on a family outing on Sunday.
Close friend Simone Trench said Ms Miller started a relationship with Mr Watson about three months before her death.
“She was loved by everyone. I don’t get it,” Ms Trench said. “All of her friends are devastated. I am lost.”
The grandmother of Ms Miller’s children, Doreen Forehan, said on Thursday four young lives had been forever changed by young mum’s death.
“There’s four little children that have lost their mum,” Ms Forehan said.
She said the bright young mum was so excited about the festive season.
“She was so excited about having her first Christmas in her first house with her kids. That’s not going to happen now,” Ms Forehan said.
It is understood Ms Miller’s two youngest children — both under the age of three — are being cared for by their father’s family.
Magistrate Daniel Muling remanded Mr Watson in custody to appear at the Geelong Magistrates’ Court via video link for a mention on January 16.