Closing arguments are set to begin in the trial of Rajwinder Singh, who is accused of the 2018 murder of Toyah Cordingley. Singh has pleaded not guilty to the crime. The prosecution concluded presenting its witnesses on Monday, after calling an expert witness who testified about DNA evidence found on Cordingley’s body. The next stage in the proceedings will be the closing arguments to begin in trial of Rajwinder Singh.
Key Developments
The trial, held at the Supreme Court in Cairns, has heard evidence surrounding the death of 24-year-old Toyah Cordingley, whose body was discovered buried in the sand at Wangetti Beach in Far North Queensland. Cordingley had gone to the beach to walk her dog, Indie, a Husky-Tibetan mastiff cross. Rajwinder Singh, a former Innisfail nurse, is alleged to have committed the murder on October 21, 2018, and subsequently booked a one-way flight to New Delhi the following morning. The Crown’s case relies heavily on forensic evidence and circumstantial details surrounding Singh’s departure from Australia.
During the trial, the jury heard testimony from Megan Pritchard, a close friend of Cordingley, regarding the victim’s relationship with her dog. Pritchard testified that Cordingley would typically allow Indie to run off-leash and that she would never have tied the dog so tightly to a tree that it could not sit down. This detail is significant as Indie was found tied tightly inland from where Cordingley’s body was discovered. The prosecution highlighted this as an unusual circumstance, suggesting it was inconsistent with Cordingley’s behavior.
DNA Evidence Presented in Rajwinder Singh Trial
A key element of the prosecution’s case involved DNA evidence. Specialist forensic testing revealed that DNA found on Ms. Cordingley’s fingernail matched genetic markers on Rajwinder Singh’s Y-chromosome. Jayshree Patel, a scientist from the New Zealand Institute of Public Health and Forensic Science, testified about the DNA analysis, explaining that “mini-STR” tests were used to examine degraded DNA samples. These tests focused on Y-chromosome markers to identify male DNA.
Patel stated that a DNA extract test was conducted twice on a profile from Cordingley’s fingernail. One test showed 26 of 27 genetic markers matching Singh’s Y-chromosome, while the second test showed all 27 markers matching. According to Patel, if the DNA originated from one male, it corresponded to Mr. Singh’s DNA profile and could not have originated from Ms. Cordingley’s boyfriend. The defense, during cross-examination, questioned the specific location of the DNA sample on the fingernail. The presentation of this DNA evidence is critical as closing arguments to begin in trial of Rajwinder Singh.
Defense Strategy and Police Investigation
Rajwinder Singh has chosen not to call witnesses or provide evidence in his defense. Throughout the trial, his barrister, Greg McGuire KC, focused on challenging the thoroughness of the police investigation. McGuire questioned Detective Sergeant Gary Hall, who led the investigation, about whether police followed up on various cars and individuals reportedly seen near Wangetti Beach on the day of the alleged murder.
McGuire also inquired about the extent to which police explored other potential suspects or leads. This line of questioning suggests a defense strategy aimed at creating doubt about the Crown’s case and highlighting potential gaps in the investigation. The defense’s focus on the police investigation comes as closing arguments to begin in trial of Rajwinder Singh.
What to Expect in Closing Arguments
With the prosecution having rested its case, the trial now proceeds to closing arguments. These arguments provide each side with an opportunity to summarize the evidence presented and persuade the jury to reach a verdict in their favor. The prosecution will likely emphasize the DNA evidence, the circumstances surrounding Ms. Cordingley’s death, and Mr. Singh’s flight to India shortly after the alleged murder.
The defense, on the other hand, is expected to reiterate its concerns about the police investigation and argue that the evidence does not conclusively prove Mr. Singh’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. The jury will then deliberate and consider all the evidence and arguments presented before reaching a verdict. The outcome of the trial hinges on the effectiveness of these closing arguments to begin in trial of Rajwinder Singh.
The trial of Rajwinder Singh has presented complex evidence and emotional testimony. The closing arguments to begin in trial of Rajwinder Singh are expected to be crucial in determining the outcome of this case, as both sides seek to convince the jury of their respective positions. The jury’s decision will have significant implications for all involved.
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