A man wanted for the murder of a Sydney woman has been arrested in the Blue Mountains, following a 12-hour stand-off with police.
His arrest comes after 31-year-old teacher Dannielle Finlay-Jones was found with serious head injuries at a home in Cranebrook on Sunday. After the arrival of emergency services, she was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police said Finlay-Jones had met the man, Ashely Gaddie, on a dating app, and had spent the night at a pub before returning to the home of a friend. The owners of the house called the police after finding Finlay-Jones with serious head injuries.
Police announced they were searching for Gaddie in relation to the alleged murder, releasing a statement to the public on Tuesday morning.
Police negotiators arrived at Wentworth Falls’ lookout on Tuesday afternoon to find a man on the other side of the safety barrier. After a 12-hour stand-off with the police negotiators, he was arrested.
Police said he will undergo assessment before being charged with murder.
It has been reported that court records show Gaddie has previously been convicted of domestic violence related offences. He was half way through a two-year community sentence for stalking, choking, and assaulting another woman.
Dannielle Finlay-Jones has been remembered as a “beautiful” and “much loved” person. She was a teacher, life member of the Ramsgate RSL Football Club and women’s football director.
“Dannielle was a beautiful person, a life member of the club who was much loved and very well respected not only within our immediate football community but also throughout the Football St George association,” the Ramsgate RSL Football Club said in a statement.
“Her tireless and unselfish commitment to football within the community, particularly women’s football, will be sorely missed and her legacy will be everlasting.”
If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault or family violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit www.1800RESPECT.org.au
In an emergency, call 000.