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The man accused of killing Toyah Cordingley has been formally charged with murder following his extradition to Australia.
Rajwinder Singh landed in Cairns on Thursday after he was extradited from India to face charges over the 24-year-old’s death in 2018.
Queensland Police confirmed Singh had been charged with one count of murder and is due to appear at Cairns Magistrate’s Court on Friday.
Singh fled to India’s Punjabi region shortly after the discovery of Ms Cordingley’s body, sparking a four-year international manhunt.
The 38-year-old was arrested on November 25 in New Delhi about a month after the Queensland government posted a record $1 million reward for information.
Detective Inspector Sonia Smith said Mr Singh’s extradition was a relief to all involved in the investigation and a step forward in the judicial process for Ms Cordingley’s family.
“The murder of Toyah Cordingley had an impact on everybody,” Det Insp Smith told reporters.
“And I acknowledge that her family and friends are still dealing with the loss now that the matter is before the court.
“Most importantly, I’d like to acknowledge Toyah Cordingley’s mum and dad, they put their faith and trust in police to deliver justice for their daughter over a long period of time.
“Today’s outcome is one step forward in the judicial process and I recognise this is an extremely difficult time for them both.”
Ms Cordingley went missing on a Sunday afternoon in October 2018 after taking her dog Indie for a walk on Wangetti Beach in Cairns.
The 24-year-old pharmacy assistant’s body was discovered the next day by her father buried in sand dunes.
Her injuries were described by police as “visible and violent”, and were so severe that her father had to be carried from the scene.
Her brutal murder shocked the tight-knit northern Queensland community, and sparked a four-year long search for answers.
Mr Singh has denied any involvement in Ms Cordingley’s death, and has previously said he wished to return to Australia to fight the charges against him.
