The man accused of killing Queensland woman Toyah Cordingley in 2018 has been found guilty after a month-long retrial that gripped Australia.

According to a BBC News report, Rajwinder Singh, a 41-year-old former nurse, was convicted on Monday of murdering Cordingley, whose half-buried body was discovered by her father on Wangetti Beach, a spot between Cairns and Port Douglas. The trial’s outcome was met with emotional reactions inside the courtroom.

Cordingley, a 24-year-old animal shelter volunteer, was walking her dog on a Sunday afternoon when she was stabbed 26 times. The horrifying crime and Singh’s flight to India the next day left a lasting mark on the Queensland community.

Outpouring of grief across Queensland

Cordingley’s death seven years ago sparked widespread sorrow throughout Queensland. As a well-loved member of her community, she was often described as kind and compassionate, particularly devoted to animals through her volunteer work.

Her killing came as a shock in a state known for its laid-back beach culture and close-knit towns. Queensland residents gathered at vigils in the days following her death, demanding justice and vowing to remember her kindness and spirit.

Family and friends described the loss as “unbearable,” with Cordingley’s father, who found her body, expressing deep anguish. The discovery of his daughter’s remains, half-buried in the sand, became one of the most haunting details of the case.

A suspect on the run for years

Rajwinder Singh, an Indian-born nurse living in Innisfail, fled the country the day after the murder. Detectives quickly identified him as the primary suspect, but his escape to India complicated efforts to bring him to justice.

For four years, Singh remained in hiding, prompting international cooperation between Australian and Indian authorities. He left behind his wife, three children, and parents in Australia, a fact prosecutors used to suggest guilt rather than coincidence.

His eventual extradition was seen as a breakthrough. Authorities spent years pursuing diplomatic and legal channels before Singh’s return to Australia, where he faced trial in the Cairns Supreme Court.

Inside the courtroom battle

Prosecutors argued the evidence left little doubt of Singh’s guilt. DNA found on a stick near Cordingley’s body matched him precisely, with experts stating it was 3.8 billion times more likely to come from Singh than from an unrelated person.

They also cited data that linked Cordingley’s phone movements to Singh’s vehicle in the moments after the attack. This digital trail, according to the prosecution, helped piece together the final minutes before Cordingley’s death.

Singh’s defense questioned the circumstantial nature of the evidence, insisting that police had jumped to conclusions. However, the combination of forensic data and his abrupt flight proved too compelling for the jury to ignore.

Lessons to Learn

Tragic cases like Cordingley’s serve as stark reminders of the importance of personal safety and community vigilance. While no one can ever fully prevent violent crime, there are some takeaways worth considering:

1. Trust your intuition and location: Even in scenic and familiar places like Wangetti Beach, remaining aware of your surroundings is vital. Avoid isolated areas when alone, especially if phone coverage is limited.

2. Pay attention to patterns and technology: The use of phone data in this case highlights how vital technology has become in solving crimes. Share your location with trusted contacts when going out alone, and keep devices fully charged.

3. Support and believe victims’ families: Long investigations can be emotionally grueling for loved ones. Offering support, whether through public expressions or community gatherings, helps maintain hope and public awareness throughout the process.

It’s critical to remember that no amount of precautions can ensure total safety, and victims should never be blamed for the actions of violent offenders.

Why This Story Matters

This case profoundly affected the Queensland community, showing how one horrific act of violence can ripple through families and entire regions. It tested the justice system's ability to bring a fugitive across international lines to finally stand trial. Most importantly, it ensured that Toyah Cordingley’s name would not be forgotten and that justice would eventually prevail. The successful prosecution reinforces the role of persistence in law enforcement and serves as a powerful reminder that even justice delayed can still be delivered. The community continues to heal with the knowledge that resolution has come after years of unanswered questions.

In summary: Toyah Cordingley, a 24-year-old woman from Queensland, Australia, was murdered in 2018 while walking her dog at a remote beach. Her killer, Rajwinder Singh, fled to India immediately after the crime but was eventually captured and brought to trial. A second trial concluded on Dec. 8, 2025, with Singh found guilty of her murder through strong circumstantial evidence, including DNA and mobile data. His sentencing is scheduled for Dec. 9. The community continues to mourn Cordingley’s loss while finding solace in the long-awaited verdict.