Nestled in Far North Queensland, Australia, Toyah Cordingley, a 24-year-old nature enthusiast, found solace in the serene white sandy beaches and lush rainforest-clad mountains that surrounded her. Working at a local animal shelter, Paws and Claws, she devoted her time to caring for homeless cats and dogs, showcasing her innate ability to soothe even the most anxious animals.
Apart from her animal care duties, Toyah also worked at a health food and pharmacy store, where she built strong relationships with customers. Her vibrant spirit and excitement for life were evident as she looked forward to being a bridesmaid at her best friend’s wedding and cherished moments with her boyfriend, Marco.
Tragically, on a sunny Sunday afternoon in October 2018, Toyah went missing after visiting Rusty’s Market in Cairns and taking her dog, Indie, for a walk at Wangetti Beach. Concerned about her absence, Marco alerted her family, leading to the discovery of Toyah’s lifeless body buried under a tree near her car. The harrowing scene revealed the extent of her injuries, including over 26 stab wounds indicating a fierce struggle for survival.
The community was devastated by the heinous crime, rallying together to seek justice for Toyah. Despite extensive investigations and appeals for information, the perpetrator remained elusive. However, a breakthrough came when DNA evidence linked Rajwinder Singh, a nurse at Innisfail Hospital who had abruptly left the country, to the crime scene. Singh’s arrest in India, following a substantial reward offer, marked a pivotal moment in the pursuit of justice for Toyah.
After a tumultuous legal process, Singh was ultimately convicted of Toyah’s murder, shedding light on the tragic events that led to her untimely death. Through the unwavering support of her family and the community, Toyah’s memory lives on as a beacon of hope and remembrance, with tributes and memorials honoring her legacy. The sentencing of Singh to life imprisonment with a 25-year parole period provided a semblance of closure, yet the pain of losing Toyah continues to reverberate throughout her loved ones’ lives.
