Nicole Cartwright murder: residents gather at Hunters Hill
THE murder of a Nicole Cartwright, whose body was found at a Hunters Hill park will remain a scar on the community that will probably never go away, a residents’ vigil has been told.
Northern District Times
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THE murder of a woman whose body was found at a Hunters Hill park will remain a scar on the community that will probably never go away, a residents’ vigil has been told.
More than 30 people gathered at Buffalo Creek Reserve on Thursday to pay their respects to Nicole Cartwright after the 32-year-old Lansvale woman’s body was found there at about 7.30am on Wednesday last week.
A council worker found the body, hands bound by tape. Police are investigating the murder and are yet to identify a suspect.
Ryde Police Inspector Tony Body was among those who addressed the vigil.
“I’d love to give you a lot of answers tonight in relation to how our investigation is going but unfortunately I’m unable to comment too broadly on the investigation,” he said.
“Our inquiries are improving rapidly and our investigation is progressing very quickly at this stage.
“We are confident that we can get to a result and find those responsible for this. But that unfortunately will take time and we certainly want to ensure that any of our attempted prosecutions are successful and we get the right people that are responsible for this.”
Ryde detectives are supporting the state homicide squad’s investigation.
Insp Boyd then addressed residents’ fears.
“As a local resident and a local police officer, I’ve had a lot of inquiries. A lot of questions from concerned mums, parents and friends and family of my own in relation to the risk to the community.
“Unfortunately this will always be a scar that will probably never go away from Buffalo Creek and the local community but I can say there is no specific threat to ourselves, our local community, from those who have perpetrated this crime.”
Those who planned the vigil did so before the body was identified yesterday.
Many people who attended did not know Miss Cartwright but wanted to offer their condolences.
Katie Little, who lives near the park, told those gathered she was bewildered by such a horrible, violent act.
“An evil came into a place that we love, and our home, and where we live,” she said.
She had since seen photos of Miss Cartwright and believed she was a regular, kind-hearted woman.
“I saw her with her pink hat and her quirky dress sense and it told me that I thought she was fun and outgoing and unafraid to express herself and her individuality.
“I hope like all of us that she is remembered for her life and not her death.”
Ryde councillor Penny Pedersen, who organised the vigil, said the murder angered many.
She asked people to channel that energy into initiatives that promoted respect.
Church leaders also addressed the vigil, and an Aboriginal elder conducted a smoking ceremony.