Crown prosecutor Nathan Crane has told the Brisbane Supreme Court that Rajwinder Singh began a series of evasive actions immediately after allegedly killing 24-year-old Toyah Cordingley on a Far North Queensland beach.
The court heard that Singh, 38, allegedly murdered Ms Cordingley during a violent attack at Wangetti Beach, north of Cairns, on October 21, 2018. The prosecution claims his deliberate efforts to avoid detection started within hours of the crime.
The Day of the Attack
Toyah Cordingley had taken her dog for a walk along the scenic Wangetti Beach around 3pm that Sunday afternoon. When she failed to return home, her family reported her missing, sparking an extensive land and air search.
Her body was discovered the following day by her father, Troy Cordingley, and other searchers near the beach's vegetation line. The court heard she had suffered severe injuries during the attack.
Meanwhile, Singh, who worked as a nurse and lived in Innisfail, allegedly boarded a flight to India just hours after the alleged murder. The prosecution described this as the beginning of his pattern of evasion.
International Manhunt and Arrest
Queensland Police launched an international manhunt for Singh, who remained in India for approximately four years despite extensive efforts to locate him.
The breakthrough came when Singh was arrested in New Delhi in November 2022 after a $1 million reward was offered for information leading to his capture. His arrest followed cooperation between Australian and Indian authorities.
Singh was subsequently extradited to Australia in April 2023 to face trial for murder. He has pleaded not guilty to the charge.
Court Proceedings and Evidence
During the recent court hearing, prosecutor Nathan Crane outlined the sequence of events that allegedly demonstrates Singh's consciousness of guilt.
The prosecution pointed to Singh's rapid departure from Australia as crucial evidence of his evasive behavior. Crane told the court that Singh's actions immediately following the alleged murder were inconsistent with innocent conduct.
The court also heard details about the crime scene investigation and forensic evidence collected by Queensland police. This included items found near Ms Cordingley's body and along the beach area.
The trial before Justice Lincoln Crowley continues, with the prosecution expected to present further evidence about the alleged murder and Singh's subsequent actions.
The case has drawn significant attention across Queensland and particularly in the Cairns community, where Ms Cordingley was well-known and worked at a local pharmacy.
Her death prompted widespread community mourning and calls for improved beach safety in the region.
