CCTV of woman bound, murdered and her body dumped in a Sydney park

POLICE have named the woman found dumped in a Sydney park and released CCTV of her on a bus before her murder.

CCTV footage of Nicole Cartwright travelling on a bus before she was murdered and her bound body was dumped in a Sydney park has been released by police.

The 32-year-old’s body was found close to 30m drag marks at Buffalo Hill Creek reserve in Hunters Hill on Sydney’s lower north shore last week.

Police have obtained CCTV of Ms Cartwright — who lived with her parents in far western Sydney before her murder — travelling on a bus between Town Hall and Ashfield on September 28.

Detectives are appealing for public assistance to Ms Cartwright’s movements before her body was dumped early on the morning of October 3.

Police revealed today that Ms Cartwright was found with both hands bound in front of her body.

“At the time she was located she was wearing a dark jacket with a hood and a black and white dress with long black pants underneath,” Homicide squad commander Detective Superintendent Scott Cook said.

“She also had a pair of black boots on and a purple collar. The clothing is consistent with the clothing she had at Muesum Railyway Station and the clothing she had in her possession at the time.

“She was covered in some leaves and bark. We’re not sure when she was placed there.

“We don’t have a cause of death at this stage but she did suffer injuries suffice to say they’re consistent with assault, she was bound, with hands in front of her body.”

Her brother Ben Cartwright posted a tribute to his sister on Facebook today.

“Rest in Peace my little sister! I love you with my all,” he posted.

“It is with very sad and heavy hearts that we announce that our beloved daughter, sister and friend Nicole Cartwright has sadly passed away.

“Details at this stage will not be discussed. Please respect our families wishes by not asking for details and respect our privacy.

“Thank you for all the love and support we have received from family and friends over the last few days.”

CCTV of Nicole Cartwright travelling on a bus before she was murdered and her bound body was dumped in a Sydney park has been released by police.

The body of a woman found at Buffalo Creek reserve is photographed by a forensic officer at a playground at Hunters Hill. Picture: Jenny Evans

CCTV of Nicole Cartwright (above) who was 32 years old and lived with her parents in far western Sydney.

Nicole Cartwright was murdered and her body dumped.

Police are appealing to the public for clues.

After a council worker made the grisly discovery of Ms Cartwright’s body, police were called to the site off Pittwater Road, Hunters Hill.

Ms Cartwright lived with her parents at Lansvale and had a wide circle of friends, often spending time in Sydney’s CBD, Eastern Suburbs, and surrounds.

She did not own a vehicle, but frequently travelled on public transport around the Sydney area.

Police have established Strike Force Winkurra to investigate the circumstances surrounding her death.

One man in the park on the day Ms Cartwright was found, who was en route to visit relatives, told AAP the secluded reserve had long needed better lighting and security cameras.

He said his parents had once encountered a “terrified” girl walking alone late at night and had given her a lift to nearby shops.

“It is dangerous,” he said.

The woman’s body — discovered before 7.30am — was left covered for a number of hours just metres from a lawn mower presumably abandoned by the council worker who found her.

One local man told AAP he often came to the park to enjoy his lunch in peace. He said it was usually filled with mothers and children playing on the playground equipment.

Forensic officers at the scene. Picture: Jenny Evans.

Officers examine a bin at the playground. Picture: Jenny Evans.