A man has pleaded not guilty to the murder of a woman whose body was discovered positioned between two parked cars, showing signs of multiple stab wounds.
Thisara Weragalage, aged 37, was taken into custody and formally accused of killing 32-year-old Nirodha Niwunhella, whose lifeless body was located on August 21. During a court appearance at Cardiff Crown Court, Weragalage denied the charge of murdering Ms. Niwunhella but confessed to possessing a bladed or pointed item. Judge Tracey Lloyd Clark, the Recorder of Cardiff, ordered Weragalage to remain in custody until the start of the trial scheduled for February 9 next year.
The tragic discovery of Ms. Niwunhella’s body was made following a report to the police about an injured woman found between two vehicles in Riverside, Cardiff by a concerned citizen. Emergency responders confirmed the woman’s death at the scene at 7:50 am. Ms. Niwunhella, a resident of Canton originally from Sri Lanka, was formally identified by a friend.
A post mortem examination conducted at the University Hospital of Wales revealed that the cause of death was attributed to multiple sharp force injuries, as determined by Pathologist Dr. Stephen Leadbeatter.
Area coroner Patricia Morgan indicated suspicions of a violent or unnatural cause of death in Ms. Niwunhella’s case and officially commenced and adjourned the inquest pending the conclusion of legal proceedings.
In the wake of her passing, Ms. Niwunhella’s family released a statement honoring her as a beloved daughter, family member, and friend to many. They expressed their enduring love and remembrance for her, highlighting her impact through kindness and warmth. The family requested privacy to mourn her loss and paid tribute to her memory.
DCI Matthew Davies from South Wales Police extended condolences to the family and loved ones of Nirodha, offering support during their time of grief. Davies urged anyone with relevant information to come forward and assist in the investigation, emphasizing the importance of cooperation in resolving the case.