Man charged with murder of woman whose body was found bound in Sydney park

UPDATE @ 3.55 PM | A 51-year-old man has now been charged over the alleged murder of Sydney woman Nicole Cartwright, whose body was found near a children’s playground at Hunter’s Hill almost two years ago.

A council worker made the grim discovery whilst mowing the lawn at Buffalo Creek Reserve on October 3, 2018.

Ms Cartwright’s body was found bound and wrapped in a bedsheet, which was then covered in leaves.

Following ongoing investigations into the 32-year-old’s death, detectives from the State Crime Command’s Homicide Squad today arrested a 51-year-old man at Parramatta Police Station.

He has now been charged with the murder of Ms Cartwright, who police say met the man via a dating app.

The man has been refused bail to appear at Parramatta Local Court tomorrow.

EARLIER @ 2.30 PM | A 51-year-old man has been arrested in relation to the death of Sydney woman Nicole Cartwright, whose body was found dumped near a children’s playground at Hunter’s Hill almost two years ago.

A council worker made the grim discovery whilst mowing the lawn at Buffalo Creek Reserve on October 3, 2018.

Ms Cartwright’s body, which police say was bound, was found wrapped in a bed sheet and covered in leaves.

Following ongoing investigations, a 51-year-old man was today arrested at Parramatta Police Station just before 1pm.

He’s currently being interviewed by Strike Force detectives and is expected to be charged later today.

On the first anniversary of Ms Cartwright’s death, police issued a desperate appeal for information to track down her killer.

“Nicole had a very distinct style so we believe there are people who would have seen her,” Detective Acting Superintendent Jason Dickinson said last year.

“It has now been a year since this investigation began, and police would like to speak with anyone who has any information that may assist with our inquiries, including contact with or sightings of Nicole.

“From the information we have gathered, it’s likely there are people who know what happened, even if they weren’t directly involved.”

Nichole’s brother Ben has since released a statement on behalf of the Cartwright family following today’s developments.

“It’s hard to express in words what our family has been through since Nicole’s death,” the statement reads.

“Nicole was very much loved as a sister and daughter; a cherished member of our family. We grieve daily for Nicole and the life she never got to live, and we are still struggling to comprehend that she will never be coming home.

“On behalf of our family, we want to thank the community for sharing our appeals for information, and also thank those who provided information to the police. Thank you also to the NSW Police Force detectives, who have supported our family during this time and worked tirelessly to help bring justice for Nicole.

“As we continue to process this news, our family has requested privacy at this time.”

If you have information for Police, please contact NSW Police on 131 444 or provide information using their online form 24 hours per day. 

You can report also information about crime anonymously to Crime Stoppers by calling 1800 333 000 or via nsw.crimestoppers.com.au 24 hours per day. Crime Stoppers is a registered charity and community volunteer organisation.