Encrypted text messages, nude photos, and cash demands allegedly exchanged by Jade McCaskie in the days before Nathan Hill's death have been revealed, as the accused killer was granted bail and is now living with a businessman who paid her $100,000 surety.
Hill, a 44-year-old father of one, died after falling from the third floor of an apartment building in Sydney's Castle Hill on May 16. Prosecutors allege McCaskie, 34, lured Hill to the location with promises of drugs and sex, sending him explicit images and demanding money.
According to messages exclusively obtained by the Daily Mail, McCaskie engaged with Hill on the encrypted service Signal. In one exchange, she allegedly sent him a nude photo and a "hot" video in exchange for money. Hill's last words to paramedics before succumbing to his injuries reportedly were, "They were going to bash me and I jumped to get away."
CCTV footage reportedly shows McCaskie hiding in a bin room at the apartment complex while texting her boyfriend and co-accused, Viet Phong Pham, stating, "Just get him. I want the money. I'm taking all of it." Minutes later, Hill fell after allegedly being attacked by McCaskie's three co-accused.
McCaskie was charged with murder along with Pham, Todd Ryan, and Jake Mitchell. Police arrested McCaskie and Pham on May 21, followed by Ryan, and later Mitchell. All were initially refused bail.
Bail and Current Status
McCaskie was granted strict conditional bail by the NSW Supreme Court on Friday. As part of her bail conditions, she surrendered her passport, must report to police regularly, abstain from drugs and alcohol, and attend a 12-week rehabilitation program. She is currently residing with Henry Go, a 60-year-old businessman and self-described "close friend," who provided the $100,000 surety for her release. Go stated in an affidavit that he has known McCaskie for 15 years and has tried to support her through her struggles with drug use.
McCaskie is expected to remain on bail while awaiting trial, which is not anticipated to begin until late 2027 or 2028. She must spend most of her time indoors as part of her bail restrictions.
The Events Leading to the Death
Evidence presented in court indicates that in the hours before Hill's death, McCaskie engaged in extensive communication with him via Signal. She allegedly requested money multiple times, escalating her demands. Hill reportedly agreed to bring drugs, possibly GHB, to the meeting. After arriving at the Castle Hill address, Hill was escorted to the third floor by co-accused Todd Ryan. It is alleged that Viet Pham and Jake Mitchell were waiting there.
During the alleged confrontation, McCaskie continued to send messages to Pham, instructing him to "Get his phone. Take his phone." At approximately 2:28 a.m., Todd Ryan reportedly texted McCaskie, "F*** get out of here. Babe you outta here," shortly after Hill fell from the balcony. McCaskie was observed leaving the bin room around 2:51 a.m.
The day after Hill's death, McCaskie texted Henry Go, stating, "I'm in so much trouble." Go advised her to report to the police, but McCaskie reportedly declined.
Investigators seized replica firearms, knives, prohibited drugs, and cash when arresting McCaskie and Pham. All four accused individuals remain subject to the ongoing legal process.