Molly Ticehurst, a 28-year-old woman, was killed at her home in Forbes, NSW allegedly at the hands of her former partner who was on bail at the time.
Daniel Billings, 29, was released on bail for a separate offence, before he allegedly contravened an apprehended violence order (AVO) and murdered his former partner, Molly Ticehurst.
Police discovered her body at her home in Forbes at around 2am on Monday morning.
Shortly after, police arrested Billings in the town of Fifield, northwest of Forbes. He was taken to Parkes Police Station and charged with murder (DV) and contravene prohibition/restriction in AVO.
Billings appeared before Orange Local Court on Monday and was refused bail.
Speaking with the media, Inspector Jason Darcy, the Central West Police District crime manager detective, described the alleged murder as “brutal”.
“It was terribly violent,” Inspector Darcy said. “I’ve got 34 years in the police, a former homicide detective. I’ve been to a few and it was quite brutal.”
“Thoughts go out to the family of the young lady.”
Inspector Darcy said the authorities are investigating allegations that Billings visited Ticehurst’s workplace last week, before he was moved on.
“Investigations are still alive and ongoing,” he said.
Ticehurst is dearly remembered by friends and loved ones, her father Tony Ticehurst told 9News yesterday. He said Billings should not have been on bail at the time of Molly Ticehurst’s alleged murder.
“Someone’s got to be responsible,” Tony Ticehurst said.
“If they’d have kept him in jail as the police wanted, we wouldn’t be having this conversation.”
Daniel Swanston, who is also from Forbes, started a Go Fund Me page, with the permission of Ticehurst’s family, to raise money “to give her the best send off she deserves”.
Overnight, the Go Fund Me page surpassed the $5,000 target, receiving more than 60 donations.
Swanston describes Ticehurst as a “mother, family member, friend, educator, co worker and so much more”.
Just 17 weeks into the year, Molly Ticehurst is the 25th woman killed in 2024 at the hands of male-perpetrated violence, according to Destroy the Joint’s Counting Dead Women.
A national rally is scheduled to be held across several locations around Australia this weekend, calling for an end to gender-based violence. The “No More” rally is being organised by the not-for-profit What Were You Wearing, founded by Sarah Williams.
If you or someone you know is experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, domestic, family or sexual violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732, text 0458 737 732 or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au for online chat and video call services.
If you are concerned about your behaviour or use of violence, you can contact the Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491 or visit http://www.ntv.org.au.
Feeling worried or no good? No shame, no judgement, safe place to yarn. Speak to a 13YARN Crisis Supporter, call 13 92 76. This service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.