Madora Bay, Perth – Sara Jade McCullock, a mother accused of murdering her 14-month-old son, Jace, in their family home in Madora Bay, Southern Perth, has entered a plea of not guilty, asserting that she was not of sound mind at the time of the incident.
Jace was found unresponsive and subsequently passed away in April 2022. Sara McCullock, aged 30, stands charged with his murder. She formally entered her not guilty plea during a brief appearance via video link from Bandyup Prison at the Stirling Gardens Magistrates Court.
On April 27 of the previous year, police responded to a noise complaint at the family’s residence, where they discovered the unresponsive toddler. Despite administering first aid, their efforts were in vain.
Following the incident, Sara McCullock was taken into custody at the scene and later charged with her son’s murder. She initially received treatment at a secure psychiatric facility at Graylands Hospital before being relocated to Bandyup Women’s Prison.
The court did not disclose the specifics of the allegations against Sara McCullock during the hearing.
Following her plea, Sara McCullock has been committed to stand trial in the Supreme Court, where she is set to make her initial appearance on December 18. Her legal counsel has indicated that she intends to request a trial by a judge without a jury.
