‘Ray of sunshine’: Tributes flow for Mullumbimby poet Ashleigh Grice after alleged DV murder
Family, friends and Northern Rivers communities are remembering Ashleigh Grice as a “beautiful soul” who “lit up every room” as her boyfriend faces murder charges.
The shock, unexpected death of Ashleigh Grice in Northern NSW has shattered a family and shocked local communities.
The “community has come to a standstill with the loss of 23-year-old Ashleigh, her family who bears the deepest pain”, close friend Parsa Ide said.
Ms Grice’s boyfriend Jai Oden-Jenkins, 29, has been charged with murder after he allegedly killed Ms Grice during a 17-hour period beginning the morning of September 19.
Neighbours reported hearing “banging and yelling” coming from a unit on Poinciana St in Mullumbimby, before NSW Police received a concern for welfare report.
Officers found Ms Grice dead on the floor of the unit, while Oden-Jenkins was allegedly in the shower before he was arrested.
Police allegedly discovered two knives on the floor of the apartment near her body, and “defensive wounds” on Ms Grice’s body.
Investigators formed Strike Force Deston to investigate the death with Ms Grice the 51st Australian woman killed in 2025.
Tweed Byron Police District crime manager Matt Zimmer said there was no known history of domestic violence between Oden-Jenkins and Ms Grice.
“There were no previous incidents of domestic violence reported to police and there was also no AVO in existence at the time,” Detective Inspector Zimmer said.
Oden-Jenkins remains in custody and is due back before Lismore Local Court in November.
Ms Grice is being remembered as a “beautiful soul, a loving daughter, and a cherished sister”.
“She always knew she could go back to her mum,” Ms Ide said.
“She always knew her mum was going to be there no matter what, no questions asked.”
Ms Ide described her friend as a “very talented, brilliant artist”.
“She loved her writing, she did beautiful poetry,” she said.
Known as “Ash – the poet”, Ms Ide said she “could spin a bad story into such a funny story and it was expressed in her writing”.
“She was very creative, very funny, very positive. An absolute ray of sunshine.”
Ms Ide said Ashleigh’s legacy is her poetry and a candlelight vigil, We Stand with Ashleigh, will be held on Friday, September 26, at Heritage Park in Mullumbimby.
“Ashleigh lit up every room she entered with her warmth, kindness, and radiant spirit,” she said.
“Her absence has left a silence that echoes through the hearts of all who knew her. Please join us in supporting Ashleigh’s family during this unimaginable time. Let us come together not only in grief but in remembrance — to honour her life, her love, and her light.”
