Full Breakdown
Rajwinder Singh Found Guilty of Murdering Toyah Cordingley
12/8/2025, 11:04:15 AM
Overview of the Case
Rajwinder Singh, a 41-year-old former nurse, has been found guilty of the murder of Toyah Cordingley, a 24-year-old pharmacy worker, whose body was discovered on Wangetti Beach in Queensland on October 22, 2018. Cordingley was brutally stabbed at least 26 times, and her body was found half-buried in sand dunes by her father after she failed to return from a walk with her dog. Singh fled to India the day after the murder and spent four years evading capture before being extradited back to Australia in early 2023.
Trial and Verdict
The trial, which took place in the Cairns Supreme Court, lasted four weeks and included testimony from over 80 witnesses. The jury deliberated for approximately seven hours before reaching a unanimous verdict on December 8, 2025, after a previous trial in March 2023 ended in a hung jury. Singh pleaded not guilty to the charges against him. The prosecution argued that Singh's actions indicated guilt, highlighting his immediate flight from the country and the circumstantial evidence linking him to the crime.
Key Evidence
Evidence presented during the trial included the movements of Singh's blue Alfa Romeo, which matched the last known location of Cordingley's phone. Additionally, DNA evidence found on a stick near Cordingley's body was determined to be 3.7 billion times more likely to belong to Singh than anyone else. The prosecution described the attack as "personal and intimate," suggesting a motive rooted in a prior relationship or encounter.
Singh's Background and Flight
Singh, originally from Punjab, India, had been living in Innisfail, Queensland, prior to the murder. After the crime, he abandoned his family, including his wife Sukhdeep Kaur and three children, and booked a one-way flight to New Delhi, claiming a family emergency. His family suffered financially during his absence, losing their home. Singh was arrested in November 2022 at a Sikh gurdwara in New Delhi, shortly after Queensland police announced a $1 million reward for information leading to his capture.
Emotional Reactions and Community Impact
The verdict elicited strong emotional reactions from the public, with members of Cordingley's family expressing their grief and anger in court. The murder had a profound impact on the local community, leading to marches against violence towards women and widespread tributes to Cordingley. Her funeral was attended by approximately 350 people, reflecting her popularity and the community's sorrow over her tragic death.
Official Statements & Responses
Following the verdict, Queensland Police confirmed that the $1 million reward had been paid to several claimants, although specific details were not disclosed due to confidentiality. Singh, during his extradition process, maintained his innocence, stating, “I did not kill the woman,” and expressed a desire to reveal all details in an Australian court.
What's Next
Sentencing for Rajwinder Singh is scheduled to take place following the conclusion of the trial proceedings. The case has drawn significant public interest, highlighting ongoing concerns regarding violence against women in Australia.
