Andrew Baker has been on trial in the Victorian Supreme Court for the past five weeks, accused of killing Sarah Gatt in or around April 2017 in Melbourne.
He has pleaded not guilty, arguing the case against him is only circumstantial and the prosecution cannot prove beyond reasonable doubt that he killed Gatt.
After almost four days of deliberations, jurors today told Justice Jane Dixon they were unable to reach a unanimous verdict.
They noted they had been experiencing distress during their discussions.
The jury was discharged, with Justice Dixon thanking them for their service to the community and wishing them well.
It was alleged Baker and Gatt were in an on-and-off again relationship for about two-and-a-half years before her death.
The relationship was allegedly marred by physical and verbal violence, with Baker previously threatening to kill Gatt.
In the months before her death, Gatt started a relationship with another woman, Leona Rei-Paku, which was also allegedly tumultuous.
Gatt was with Rei-Paku at a Maribyrnong property in the early hours of April 19, 2017, but Gatt was not seen alive again once she left the house.
Instead, her body was found in a bathtub at her Kensington home in January 2018.
Her pants and underwear had been pulled down to below her knees, and electrical cords were wrapped under and around her body.
Gatt’s blood was also found on a wall in the bathroom hallway.
Forensic pathologists were unable to identify what caused Gatt’s death because of the state of her body when it was found.
Baker was charged with her murder but he has always denied the charge.
He was today remanded in custody ahead of a mention hearing in April.
If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au.
In an emergency, call 000.
