Jade McCaskie, 34, has been granted bail in the New South Wales Supreme Court after a male friend posted $100,000 in surety for her release. McCaskie had been in custody for nearly three months on charges related to the death of Nathan Hill, who fell from a fourth-floor balcony in Castle Hill.
Justice Julia Lonergan approved McCaskie's bail on strict conditions, including that she reside at the home of Henry Go and attend a mandatory drug rehabilitation program. She must also adhere to substance testing and is prohibited from consuming alcohol or drugs. McCaskie appeared in court via video link from a correctional facility, while Go was present in the courtroom to pledge the surety.
Police allege McCaskie enticed Hill to the apartment building on May 17 for a drug deal, sending him nude photographs. Hill fell approximately 15 meters to his death, with police claiming he was attempting to escape a violent assault by three men, including McCaskie's then-boyfriend. McCaskie was reportedly found hiding in a bin room within the apartment complex.
During the incident, McCaskie allegedly texted instructions to the men, including commands to take Hill's phone. Court documents presented by Crown prosecutors suggested a "joint criminal enterprise" between McCaskie and the three men led to Hill's death. Hill reportedly told paramedics before he died that he jumped to escape an assault.
However, McCaskie's legal counsel argued that the prosecution's case against her for murder was weak. The defense contended that McCaskie's expectation was to receive a ride back to her residence after the drug transaction and that the alleged plan to harm Hill was not hers. Justice Lonergan indicated that the case against McCaskie for joint criminal enterprise murder could take 18 months to two years to reach a jury.
Two of McCaskie's co-accused, Todd David Ryan, 38, and Viet Phong Pham, 30, are also charged with Hill's murder but have not applied for bail. The investigation into the incident is ongoing under NSW Police Strike Force Sunbach. McCaskie is expected to reside in Sydney's Eastern Suburbs while on bail.