Toyah’s parents’ first words after daughter’s alleged killer returns

Toyah Cordingley’s mother released a powerful statement after the man accused of killing her daughter returned to Cairns for the first time since her death.

• Toyah’s father speaks ahead of alleged killer’s return

Toyah Cordingley’s parents have thanked police and the community for their ongoing support on the day the man accused of killing their daughter returned to Cairns.

Toyah, 24, was allegedly murdered at Wangetti Beach — 30km north of Cairns — on October 21, 2018.

It will be alleged she was found a day later by her father, Troy, buried in the sand.

On Thursday at 5.36pm police said the man accused of killing her, Rajwinder Singh, 38, had been charged.

Far North District Detective Inspector Sonia Smith said Toyah’s family was relieved.

“Toyah’s mum Vanessa said ... ‘We thank the community for their ongoing love and support in these difficult times and we wait patiently for the justice our beautiful daughter Toyah deserves,” Det Insp Smith said.

Handcuffed, wearing a dark jumper, light blue jeans and navy turban, Singh touched down in Cairns on Thursday afternoon.

Police said Singh had been remanded in custody charged with one count of murder and is expected to appear in the Cairns Magistrates Court on Friday.

Detective Inspector Sonia Smith addresses the media in relation to the arrest and successful extradition of Rajwinder Singh from New Delhi, India, to Cairns via Melbourne. Rajwinder Singh left Australia for India the day after the body Toyah Cordingley was found on Wangetti Beach north of Cairns in Far North Queensland. He has been the key suspect in the alleged murder of Toyah Cordingley. Picture: Brendan Radke

Inspector Smith also read a statement from Toyah’s father, Troy: “The return to Australia of the main suspect in Toyah’s case is one more step in the process I can cross off my list.

“This is a very difficult time for me, both mentally and physically, but it is positive news and I again thank the police for keeping me informed on a regular basis.

“There is still a long way to go, but we are moving in the right direction.

“I will continue to stay as strong as I can until we reach some sort of justice for my beautiful girl. All for Toyah.”

Detective Inspector Sonia Smith with the team she said were “relentlessly dedicated from day one,” (back row L-R) Detective Sergeant Zoe Goodall, Detective Sergeant Matthew Mattock, Detective Inspector Chris Knight and Acting Detective Senior Sergeant Gary Hall. Picture: Brendan Radke

Det Insp Smith thanked national and state agencies including the Australian Federal Police’s Superintendent Murray Taylor and Sanjay Manning from India.

She said the Cairns police officers had worked for 227 weeks to find justice for Toyah’s loved ones.

“This core team have been relentless in their pursuit of justice for Toyah and her family,” Det Insp Smith said.

“They remained committed from the first day of the investigation despite the challenging and complex nature involved in an international extradition process”.

Queensland Police officers and detectives escort Rajwinder Singh from a chartered jet to a waiting police car at Cairns Airport. Picture: Brendan Radke

Det Insp Smith said the support by the Cairns community over the past four years was also appreciated.

“The (alleged) murder of Toyah had a severe impact on everybody,” she said.

Rajwinder Singh left Australia for India the day after Toyah Cordingley was found allegedly murdered on Wangetti Beach in Far North Queensland in October 2018, and is the alleged key suspect in the murder case. Picture: Brendan Radke

“We are really relieved our planning and strong partnerships came to fruition today,

“This demonstrates that QPS will never give up and continue to see justice for the victims family and be relentless in our approach.”

A handcuffed Rajwinder Singh is led to a private jet in Melbourne before touching down in Cairns on Thursday, March 2. Picture: Queensland Police

Det Insp Smith said the case also meant a great deal to her personally.

“Yes, this is significant to me personally and the people who stand behind me,” she said.

“While I am the face of this investigation, the real work happened by the people standing behind me.”

Toyah Cordingley, 24, took her dog for a walk at Wangetti Beach on October 21, 2018, and did not return. Picture: Facebook

Singh is expected to appear in Cairns Magistrates Court on Friday morning.

“As the matter was now before the court, I ask the community not speculate and allow the justice process be taken,” Det Insp Smith said.

“Most importantly I’d like to acknowledge Toyah’s mum and dad. They put their trust and faith in police, to deliver justice for their daughter over a long period of time.

“Today’s outcome is one step forward in the judicial process and I recognise this is an extremely difficult time for them both.”

Originally published as Toyah’s parents’ first words after daughter’s alleged killer returns