TEARS FOR TOYAH
Family’s plea to solve baffling murder case
DISTRAUGHT family members of slain Cairns woman Toyah Cordingley (left) are pleading with witnesses to contact the police.
The body of the 24-year-old was found on a remote section of Wangetti Beach, 42km north of Cairns, early on Monday.
Toyah’s cousin Rachelle Foss has spoken of her heartache and urged anyone with “every little bit of information” to come forward.
The plea comes as police reveal that DNA samples have been obtained with consent from residents living in the Wangetti area.
A Queensland Police spokeswoman said it was routine during serious investigations as the service renewed a call for the public’s help in solving the crime.
GRIEF-STRICKEN family members grappling with Toyah Cordingley’s beachside murder have implored witnesses to come forward.
Rachelle Foss posted a heartfelt tribute to her cousin on Facebook, recalling an idyllic childhood spent together building forts and putting on shows for family.
“You radiated sunshine wherever you went and lit up every room. If I could just hold you one last time and tell you how much I love you,” Ms Foss wrote.
“My heart is broken into a million pieces. How could anyone ever want to hurt you. You were the purest soul, free spirited and kind.
“We grew up together and spent most of our childhood exploring, building forts and performing crazy dances for our families. We spent so much time together, pretty much living at each other’s houses and I’ve always thought of you as my sister,” she wrote.
“You were always an inspiration to me with how selfless you were and the amazing volunteer work you did.
“I’m so glad the last time I saw you we were dancing the night away and sitting on your kitchen floor eating vegan sausage rolls and reminiscing about when we were kids.”
“I know you are safe now. I love you so much.”
Ms Foss urged anyone with information on Toyah’s death to contact police.
“Every little bit of information helps, even if it may (sic) not seem important,” she wrote.
Friend Branden Sheridan also left a message to Ms Cordingley on Facebook.
“No words can describe how devastating this is for myself, the community, your friends and family,” he wrote.
“You really were a very bright and caring individual and I can’t believe that you could have been taken from our world like this.
“Our memories of you will be forever cherished. Fly high and rest peacefully Toyah Cordingley, the truest and purest of all souls I’ve met.”
Douglas Shire Mayor Julia Leu labelled the 24-year-old’s murder a “disgusting, horrific and fatal act of violence against a young woman who was enjoying what so many people do on a daily basis – walk along our beautiful beaches”.
“It is extremely chilling to think a murderer is out there,” Cr Leu said.
“I have lived here for 27 years and this is not something we expect.
“People know they can come to the Douglas Shire and have a wonderful, safe experience in our tropical paradise.
“My deepest condolences, along with the whole Douglas Shire community’s, goes out to the family and friends of the victim.”
Police would like to speak to anyone that spoke with or saw Ms Cordingley at Rusty’s Market in Cairns on Sunday, October 21, between noon and 1pm.
They also want to speak with anyone with dashcam footage from the Captain Cook Highway at Wangetti Beach on Sunday, anyone who used the northern or southern Wangetti Beach carparks and anyone who regularly uses them.
Any family, friends, acquaintances or work colleagues of Ms Cordingley who haven’t spoken to the police should also make contact with them immediately.
Anyone with information about Toyah Cordingley should contact Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000.