Nicole Cartwright remembered as officers investigate her mysterious death
Nicole Cartwright, a 32-year-old from Lansvale, has been identified as the woman whose body was dumped two weeks ago at a reserve in Hunter’s Hill.
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Nicole Cartwright, a 32-year-old from Lansvale, has been identified as the woman whose body was found two weeks ago at a reserve in Hunter’s Hill.
The revelation has left her family, friends and the wider community reeling from shock, while the unusual circumstances surrounding her death have sparked a widespread police investigation.
“She was amazing. She would give you the shirt off her back if you needed it,” Charlene Emma Citroni said, a friend who lived with Ms Cartwright in Lansvale when she was in her early twenties. “Nikki was very bubbly and a free spirit.”
Ms Cartwright’s body was found by Buffalo Creek Reserve on Wednesday, October 3. She was covered by an orange blanket, clothed and had her arms bound. A post mortem found she had been beaten.
Police have established Strike Force Winkurra to investigate. The mystery surrounding her death – how she ended up at Hunters Hill, who was she spending time with, where is her phone – have led to appeals for witnesses, information and even dashcam footage.
“It’s quite shocking,” Mrs Citroni said. “I would never have expected in a million years for this to happen to Nikki.”
Police have been able to piece together Ms Cartwright’s movements from September 27 to 30, but are seeking information from then until she was found three days later.
“We’d be keen to speak with anyone who has any information that may assist the investigation, including contact with Nicole or knowledge of her social activities over the past few weeks,” said Scott Cook, Homicide Squad Commander.
“While it is most likely her body was brought to the area under darkness, we are still urging motorists with dashcam and travelling in that area at that time to provide us copies of their footage,” he said.
Ms Cartwright’s family have asked for privacy. Her older brother Ben Cartwright addressed the public in a post to Facebook.
“Rest in Peace my little sister! I love you with my all,” Mr Cartwright wrote.
“It is with very sad and heavy hearts that we announce that our beloved daughter, sister and friend Nicole Cartwright has sadly passed away.
“Thank you for all the love and support we have received from family and friends over the last few days.”