Kingswood: Tragic last photo of officer’s daughter, 21, believed to have been murdered by her partner in stabbing – police arrest suspect after intense manhunt
Kingswood: Tragic last photo of officer’s daughter, 21, believed to have been murdered by her partner in stabbing – police arrest suspect after intense manhunt
- Woman, 21, found dead in western Sydney
- Man, 21, charged with alleged murder
A woman who was allegedly stabbed to death by her boyfriend after domestic violence dreamed of following in her father’s footsteps and becoming a police officer.
Jeremaia Tuwai, 21, is accused of murdering his girlfriend Nuniah Kurualeba, 21, at an apartment on the Great Western Highway in Kingswood, Sydney’s west, at about 1.40pm on Monday.
Emergency services were called to the unit, where they found the woman with two stab wounds to her chest. Despite paramedics’ efforts to save her, she died at the scene.
Tuwai reportedly fled the scene, sparking a six-hour manhunt. He was arrested on Derby Street in Penrith at 7.10pm.
Mrs Kurauleba lived and worked in Australia after emigrating from Fiji several years ago.
In 2016, her father, police officer Viliame Kurualeba, passed away after falling ill. Speaking to local Fijian media, she said she wanted to follow in his footsteps.
Nuniah Kurualeba, 21, was allegedly stabbed to death by her partner Jeremaia Tuwai (pictured together) on Monday
Emergency services were called to a unit complex on the Great Western Highway near Kingswood at 1.40pm on Monday
Detectives arrive at the crime scene Tuesday morning
Police have searched a unit where the young woman is believed to have been murdered
“I really miss him,” Ms Kurualeba, then 14, told the Fiji Sun.
Mrs. Kurualeba was the eldest of four children born to her father and mother, Merelini.
Mrs Kurualeba posted this photo of herself online about an hour before her death
Just an hour before her death, Ms Kurualeba shared a photo on TikTok of herself taking a selfie while smiling.
Videos have been posted on social media showing her dancing with friends and exploring the Sydney area.
Tributes are pouring in online, with grief-stricken loved ones posting broken heart emojis.
“Oh Lord! Why!” wrote a friend.
Detectives remained at the crime scene Tuesday morning and searched the area for evidence.
White fingerprint dust was visible on the window of the ground-floor apartment in the dilapidated apartment complex.
After his arrest, Tuwai was taken to Penrith Police Station where he was charged with premeditated murder.
He was refused bail and is due to appear at Penrith District Court later today.
