'We'll never give up': Family's tragic message on birthday of woman found dead on beach
Police have offered condolences to the family and friends of slain Queensland woman Toyah Cordingley today, June 14, on which would have been her 25th birthday.
Toyah was reported missing on Sunday, October 21 last year after she took her dog for a walk. Her body was discovered by her father the following morning at Wangetti Beach, just 40km north of Cairns.
The 24-year-old worked as a pharmacy assistant and animal refuge worker before she was brutally killed. Her death had a significant impact on the local community and the investigation into what happened is ongoing.
Her father, Troy Cordingley, continues to be closely involved with the investigation and remains optimistic police will bring her murderer to justice.
“Police have stayed in constant contact keeping me up to date and I am happy and remaining patient with what is occurring,” he said in a statement issued Friday in conjunction with Queensland police.
In a heartfelt Facebook post this morning, he wished his “beautiful Brighteyes” a happy birthday.
“I feel you with me. love forever, Daddio,” he wrote alongside a picture of the pair.
Toyah’s mother, Vanessa Gardiner, also posted a heartbreaking message, including a baby photo and a painful final memory of her daughter.
“I remember the day I gave birth to you. So tiny and holding your little hand so warm,” she wrote.
“The last time I held your hand it was so cold.”
“Today we will celebrate with the usual chocolate vegan cake I made you every year. I miss you so much but I know the fairies are taking good care of you.”
Extradition of person of interest could be difficult
A former nurse and father-of-three, Rajwinder Singh, has been identified by police as a key person of interest in the homicide investigation.
He fled to India following Toyah’s death and is believed to be hiding out in a temple, The Courier Mail reports.
Indian law enforcement agencies have reportedly been liaising with Australian Federal Police and Queensland detectives in the hunt for Mr Singh.
However legal experts believe a possible extradition request could be slow and difficult to achieve despite an extradition treaty between Australia and India.
That concern is largely based on a separate case, in which Indian man Puneet Puneet fled from Australia to India after allegedly hitting and killing a female student in a drink driving accident in Melbourne in 2008. He has successfully fought extradition since 2013.
Following Toyah’s death, Mr Cordingley spoke to the media about his heartbreak.
“Toyah is my only child. Finding her body has burnt an indelible image in my mind. It is something a father should never have to suffer,” he said.
Police continue to appeal for anyone with information regarding Toyah’s death, who may have until now been unwilling to speak, to come forward and help provide closure to her family.
Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.
You can also follow us on Facebook, download the Yahoo News app from iTunes or Google Play and stay up to date with the latest news with Yahoo’s daily newsletter. Sign up here.
