A man was accused of murdering a teenage girl for more than a month after she was found dead in a stream, which police initially said was not suspicious.
Part of the body of Audrey Griffin, 19, was found on March 24 in Erina Creek on the Central Coast of New South Wales, the day after she left a nearby bar after her last time with friends.
Her death was not considered suspicious at the time, as it was initially suggested that Ms. Griffin drowned.
However, after further investigation, police murdered Adrian Torrens, 53, in Sydney’s Surry Hills on Monday afternoon.
“Police will claim that the man had a physical dispute with the victim,” a statement from the NSW police said.
Torrance is also charged with 11 counts of unrelated domestic violence.
He was denied bail and was scheduled to appear in Downing Center District Court on Tuesday.
It is understood that Ms. Griffin and Torrance do not know each other.
March 24
Just a few days later, the breakthrough came a few days after police released an image of a man they hoped to be associated with Ms. Griffin’s death.
Police reiterated at the time that they did not believe the man was involved in her death.
Brisbane Water Detective Inspector Samantha Richards said: “We did not imply that this person was involved in the incident in some way, and we had no indication.”
“We just hope he might have some information to help us piece together what happened.”
Ms. Griffin is a beloved member of the Terrigal Sharks rugby league and the local lifesaving club.
After completing HSC in 2023, Ms. Griffin juggled the training and worked part-time at Crown Plaza Terrigal in a research commitment from the University of Technology Sydney.
She participated in New Zealand’s Half People weeks before her death.
Ms. Griffin is also a former member of Ms. Gosford Water Polo’s team.
Ms. Griffin’s family said the 19-year-old
Audrey moved everyone not only in her community, but across the country. She is the light of our lives,” GoFundMe read.
There is no doubt that she brought endless laughter and joy to everyone.
“She is the kindest soul who walks this earth, and will always be in our hearts.”
Ms. Griffin is also a dedicated member of the Terrigal Wamberal Sharks Rugby League Club and has participated in junior and senior football.
The club said in a social media tribute to her: “With a personality bigger than life and a blissful nature, Audrey will get stinged and then check that they are OK and then jump into every mess.”
“The Sharks will miss Audrey so much and may she rest in peace.”
