The murder trial of Rajwinder Singh, accused of killing 24-year-old Toyah Cordingley, is proceeding with the presentation of evidence, including disturbing autopsy photos. Singh has pleaded not guilty to the charge of murder, which allegedly took place within 12 hours leading up to Cordingley’s body being discovered on October 22, 2018, at a secluded beach in far north Queensland.
Cordingley was last seen on October 21, 2018, when she went for a walk at Wangetti Beach, north of Cairns, with her dog. Her body was later found buried in a sand mound by her father, Troy Cordingley.
On Thursday, the jury was set to hear more from Cordingley’s relatives, following the distressing images presented during the trial on Wednesday, taken during the autopsy. Forensic pathologist Dr Paul Botterill detailed that Cordingley stood 1.65 metres tall and weighed nearly 59 kilograms at the time of her death. He identified a deep cutting wound across her neck as the most significant injury, noting that it had completely severed her windpipe.
Dr Botterill described the injury as having been inflicted with a sharp object, suggesting a significant degree of movement during the act. He also mentioned that blood found in her lungs, mixed with sand, indicates she might have still been alive when the wound was inflicted. In addition to the major neck injury, there were also multiple stab wounds to her neck and chest, alongside minor injuries to her right breast and lower back, and abrasions on various parts of her body. Notably, toxicology tests revealed no drugs or alcohol in her system, nor any signs of sexual assault.
Throughout proceedings, Singh displayed a calm demeanour, observing both Dr Botterill’s testimony and the graphic presentations of the photographs. As the trial continues, the court’s focus remains on the tragic circumstances surrounding Cordingley’s death and the evidence presented by the prosecution.