'Extremely chilling': Urgent call for answers after woman's body found on beach
A north Queensland mayor says the murder of Toyah Cordingley on an isolated beach is a disgusting, horrific act of violence that has shaken the local community.
The body of 24-year-old Ms Cordingley was found on Monday in dunes at Wangetti Beach, 40km north of Cairns.
She went missing while walking her dog on Sunday.
Investigators are combing the beach for clues as well as tracing Ms Cordingley’s steps as they hunt for her killer.
Douglas Shire Mayor Julia Leu issued a statement on Wednesday calling for public help to solve the crime.
“This is a disgusting, horrific and fatal act of violence against a young woman who was enjoying what so many people do on a daily basis – walk along our beautiful beaches,” Ms Leu said.
“It is extremely chilling to think a murderer is out there.”
Ms Leu said she wants anyone with information to contact police immediately.
Police have broadened their search beyond the isolated beach north to Port Douglas and south to Cairns.
A visit to Rusty’s Markets in Cairns by Ms Cordingley before she headed to the beach is part of the investigation, police say.
“If anybody has spoken to her at that location please come forward,” Detective Inspector Sonia Smith told reporters on Tuesday.
Appeals have also been made for dash cam footage from drivers who travelled between Cairn’s suburb Smithfield and Port Douglas on Sunday using the Captain Cook Highway between 12pm and 7pm on Sunday.
Det Insp Smith said detectives were particularly interested in obtaining footage from the northern and southern car park areas of Wangetti beach.
Police divers were also searching waters near where the body was found for Ms Cordingley’s personal possessions, she said.
Ms Leu said Ms Cordingley’s death had shaken her community.
“I have lived here for 27 years and this is not something we expect,” she said.
