Candlelit memorial for Tweed schoolgirl

Margaret Dekker
Hundreds of heartbroken children, parents and community mourners gathered outside Tweed Heads Public School last Wednesday evening to remember much-loved pupil, Charlise Mutten.

Charlise Mutten

The nine year old’s body was found in Hawkesbury bushland last Tuesday, January 18, four days after her mother first reported her missing from Mt Wilson in the Blue Mountains.

Charlise was allegedly murdered by her mother’s fiancé, Justin Stein, during a family holiday at a luxury venue in the Blue Mountains. The girl’s body was found after a 5-day search and investigation by NSW Police Homicide Squad. Stein was charged with her murder late last week and was remanded in jail after his arrest at Surry Hills Police Station.

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The smart and gentle Grade 4 student was remembered as ‘polite, courteous and a conversationalist’ by her teachers as her classmates spoke through tears at the school-gate vigil to remember the life of Charlise Mutten.

“We dearly miss our Charlise. May her soul fly high as she begins her next journey,” one friend said to the gathering.

Charlise’s mother Kallista Mutten was admitted to a Sydney hospital and was unable to be interviewed by police at the time her daughter’s harrowing death was confirmed. It’s understood Charlise Mutten was raised by her caring grandparents in Coolangatta.

Her father spoke of his devastating loss, online.“Goodbye you beautiful little girl. I love you so much. I miss you every day!” he posted on Facebook.
The Tweed Heads Public School expressed its condolences on the school’s Facebook page last Wednesday afternoon shortly after the devastating news broke; the close community had been hoping and praying for better news.

“We are absolutely devastated to hear this morning’s news about Charlise. Our hearts go out to her family, we cannot begin to imagine the distress they must feel. Charlise was a much loved member of our school who brightened all our days, every day. Today we will be in touch with the Department of Education to explore options to support our students and staff when school resumes.

“This is our last photo of Charlise from our 2021 presentation day where she received her class award for literacy.

“Please note that as this is now a judicial matter, we will be closing comments on this post and will not be making additional public posts.”
The accused made no application for bail and will next appear at Penrith Local Court in mid-March.