Dr Preethi Reddy: Another innocent woman murdered

Dr Preethi Reddy: Another innocent woman murdered

Dr Preethi Reddy.

Another woman whose name we tragically learn for the most gut-wrenching of reasons. Another violent murder. Another innocent woman’s life interrupted. Another family shattered. A workplace distraught. Shell-shocked friends, patients and colleagues. A community reeling.

Not again.

Dr Preethi Reddy, a dentist from Sydney, had been reported by her family as missing on Sunday when she hadn’t returned home.

On Tuesday when I saw the images of her and her missing grey Volkswagen Golf, shared by police in an effort to find her, I hoped it wouldn’t end with news like this. Desperately.

Could she please just be found safely? Could it just be a misunderstanding: her taking some time on her own.   

No. It was worse. The worst.

Late on Tuesday night her car was found in the eastern suburbs of Sydney by police, and in it, her body in a suitcase. She had been stabbed.

Not again.

No.

Was this brutal violence the random wanton act of a stranger? Had Preethi, like Aiia Masaarwe and Eurydice Dixon and Jill Meagher and too many more, been in the wrong place at the worst time? Or had Preethi been killed by someone who knew her?

Neither scenario is just: the possibilities are both sickening.

Not again.

On Wednesday morning police revealed that Dr Reddy’s ex-boyfriend had deliberately driven into a semi-trailer on Monday night, on the New England Highway, near the upper Hunter Valley town of Willow Tree. He died at the scene.

Again.

There aren’t enough condolences or sympathies in the world to ease the grief Dr Reddy’s family, friends and community now face. It is a nightmare that neither Dr Reddy herself, or her loved ones, deserved. No one does and yet this scourge marches on.

When will it end?

If you are worried about unhealthy, abusive or violent behaviour in any of your relationships, you can contact 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit www.1800RESPECT.org.au 

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