Many Australians have strong feelings regarding the name Toyah Cordingley. Her terrible story, which began on a quiet beach in Queensland in 2018, drew the attention of the entire country and became one of the most closely watched criminal cases in recent memory. Toyah was deeply loved by her family, known for her kindness and compassion—especially toward animals. Her story reflects grief, determination and ultimately the strength of justice.
Who was Toyah Cordingley?
Toyah Cordingley was a 24-year-old woman from Cairns, which is in the far north of Queensland. She lived in Woree, a suburb and worked in the area. Her friends stated she was kind, loving and really cared about taking care of animals. She often offered to take care of cats and dogs as a foster parent, which demonstrated how much she cared.
On October 21, 2018, Toyah took her dog for a walk on Wangetti Beach, a serene and secluded stretch of coastline nestled between Cairns and Port Douglas. It was a calm Sunday afternoon but Toyah never came back. On October 22, 2018, the next day, her body was found buried in the sand. The discovery shocked the town and sparked one of Queensland’s largest murder investigations.
The pursuit of truth and search for answers
The circumstances surrounding Toyah’s death were horrific. Police noted clear signs of violence, and the remote nature of Wangetti Beach made the investigation extremely difficult. There were few witnesses, limited CCTV footage and a vast area to search.
Detectives worked nonstop for months. As the case garnered greater attention around the country, the Queensland Government offered a $1 million reward, one of the greatest in the state’s history, for information that led to an arrest.
Police had a suspect by the end of 2022: Rajwinder Singh, a nurse who lived near Cairns. There was proof that he was engaged in the crime and investigators found out that he had left Australia for India the day after Toyah’s body was found. His departure time and the forensic and phone-tracking evidence solidified his suspicion.
Arrest and return from India to face justice
In November 2022, Singh was caught in India after working with other countries for years. It took months of legal and diplomatic action between the governments of Australia and India to get him to Australia. His return to Queensland for trial was a big deal for Toyah’s family and the rest of Australia, who had endured years of waiting for justice to be done.
In late 2025, the trial commenced in Cairns, garnering widespread national coverage. The town was sad not only because of the crime but also because they thought Toyah’s suffering would end.
The trial and evidence
During the trial, there was a lot of evidence about what Singh did before and after Toyah’s death. DNA traces were found in his car, according to forensic experts. The police also used his mobile phone records to find out he was at Wangetti Beach the same day Toyah was there.
Witnesses reported they observed a car that looked like Singh’s in the area and cops found out that he booked a flight to India the next day. These pieces of evidence created a compelling case against him.
Vanessa and Troy Cordingley, Toyah’s parents, attended court sessions alongside members of the Cairns community. People looked up to them because they were strong and fought tirelessly to ensure justice was served.
Guilty verdict and justice delivered
On December 8, 2025, the Cairns Supreme Court held a new trial and found Rajwinder Singh guilty of killing Toyah Cordingley. Following the ruling, there were mixed reactions in the courtroom, with some people glad and others sad. The verdict was a sad victory for Toyah’s family, who had always thought the person responsible for their daughter’s death would finally be held accountable.
The ruling brought an end to a seven-year legal battle and underscored the importance of patience and perseverance in conducting thorough research. People in Far North Queensland, who had been following the case closely, were both sad and happy that justice had at last prevailed.
Remembering Toyah beyond the tragedy
Although the trial attracted intense public interest, Toyah should be remembered for the life she lived, not solely for the tragic way her life was taken.
People knew her for being kind to animals, being happy and being nice to other people. People claimed she had a smile that made them happy and she routinely volunteered at local shelters. Her love for caring for rescue animals continues to inspire people in Queensland to help them.
In her memory, her family and friends have organised community events that focus on kindness, safety and awareness—things that Toyah believed in. Many Australians saw her story as a sign of strength and communal support in times of grief.
Conclusion
Toyah Cordingley’s murder is one of the worst and most important in Australia in the past few years. Her story shows us how easy it is for life to end and how much we need justice, kindness and aid from other people.
No conclusion can take away the pain of her loss but the guilty verdict in December 2025 gave her family and friends some comfort after years of waiting. For Australians who followed the case, Toyah’s memory is still a sign of hope, courage and the belief that justice can be found, even if it takes a long time.
