00:02Kylie McHugh's body was found inside her ground floor unit in Belconnen on May 18.
00:08She couldn't be revived.
00:10We've had a run of these fires lately.
00:12I think it just highlights the importance of making sure you do have a working smoke alarm in your premises.
00:17But police suspected foul play and soon began treating it as a homicide.
00:22Today they charged 27-year-old construction worker Jack Henry Curtin with murder and arson.
00:29Numerous forensic samples were obtained from the residents.
00:33We've spoken to witnesses.
00:35That's why we believe there are other people that know more out there.
00:38And we obviously gathered enough to satisfy the threshold to charge him.
00:43The ACT Magistrates Court heard he'd been spotted in the area on CCTV
00:48and investigators found multiple ignition points within the unit.
00:52They believe the victim died before the fire took hold with injuries to her neck.
00:58That overview is what we allege occurred.
01:01Is that the murder occurred and then the house was set on fire afterwards.
01:05Seeking bail, Mr Curtin's lawyer argued his employment and care responsibilities
01:09as well as deteriorating health conditions were grounds for his conditional release.
01:13But the Magistrates said they didn't meet the special or exceptional circumstances required
01:17and refused the application.
01:19The police investigation is still underway.
01:22He is the only suspect but we do believe there are other people that have more information
01:28and that can assist us.
01:30The case returns to court next month.
01:32We should have.
01:35We should have.
01:36.
01:36.
