The father of a childcare worker, who was allegedly murdered by her ex-partner weeks after he was released on bail, has left a heart-wrenching note outside the home where she died.
Molly Ticehurst, 28, was found dead inside her home on Young St in Forbes – more than 370km west of Sydney – during a welfare check about 1.50am on Monday.
Her ex-partner Daniel Billings has been charged with murder (domestic violence) and contravening and apprehended violence order.
At the time of Ms Ticehurst’s alleged murder, Mr Billings was on bail after being charged with raping the mother of one three times, stalking her, causing damage to her property and abusing a 12-week-old puppy.
On Tuesday, Ms Ticehurst’s father, Tony, left a bouquet of flowers with a handwritten note outside her home.
“We will always love you, our angel,” he wrote, before signing the message from Dad and Donna.
Another message written on a second bouquet at the scene reads: “Missing you already my baby girl”.
Speaking to A Current Affair on Tuesday night, Ms Ticehurst’s friend Jacinda remembered the 28-year-old as “one of the most beautiful people you’ll ever meet”.
“Molly did everything for everybody,” she said.
On Tuesday, it emerged that Mr Billings had previously been married, with his wedding video showing the 29-year-old shadow-boxing ahead of his wedding ceremony.
The clip, which aired on A Current Affair, also showed Mr Billings shadow-boxing in front of guests as he waited for his bride to walk down the aisle.
An inquiry has been ordered by the NSW government into why Mr Billings was granted bail 15 days before Ms Ticehurst was found dead.
His bail conditions were not to enter to town of Forbes, where Ms Ticehurst lived, and to report to police daily to police.
Speaking about Ms Ticehurst’s death on Tuesday, NSW Premier Chris Minns told reporters: “A family has lost their daughter and the circumstances are horrifying for that community and that family.
“Our justice system must protect the community from those who pose an unacceptable risk.
“Listening to her dad … your heart breaks for him, he’s justifiably angry, he’s completely heartbroken, he wants answers as to what happened.”
Mr Minns confirmed a review will be announced on Wednesday.
“I can say all the normal stuff that people say about how their daughter was beautiful, but Molly really was,” Mr Ticehurst told 9 News.
“Someone’s got to be responsible.”
On Monday, Central West Police District crime manager detective Inspector Jason Darcy said the alleged murder was “quite brutal”.
“It was terribly violent,” he said.
“I’ve got 34 years in the police, a former homicide detective. I’ve been to a few and it was quite brutal.”
A GoFundMe campaign has since been started to help for funeral costs and to give Ms Ticehurst “the best send off she deserves”.
“On Monday 22nd April 2024 the hearts of everyone were broken, finding out that the life of a beautiful Mother, Family Member, friend, educator, co worker and so much more was suddenly and tragically ripped away,” campaign organiser Daniel Swanston wrote.
“I’m hoping that I can help to ease a small piece of the pain by helping to raise funds to give Molly the best send off possible.
“I ask that if you can donate please do, anything is appreciated.
“May Molly’s wings flourish and may she rest in peace.”
Mr Billings remains in custody after he made no application for bail in Orange Local Court on Tuesday and it was formally refused.
He will next face court over the murder and other charges on June 20.
– With NCA Newswire