The man accused of the alleged “violent” murder of a young mother can be identified as a heavily tattooed boxing enthusiast who was on bail for rape.
Police found the body of teaching assistant Molly Ticehurst, 28, at a house in Forbes, about 370km west of Sydney, shortly before 2am on Monday.
Emergency services rushed to the rural property after concerns were raised about his welfare.
Daniel Billings, 29, was arrested a short time later at a property in Fifield, about an hour west of Forbes.
He appeared at Orange Local Court on Tuesday charged with the murder of Ms Ticehurst and breaching an AVO.
He also appeared in court on three previous charges of sexual assault, multiple charges of criminal harassment and destruction of property, as well as a charge of animal cruelty.
Billings and Ms Ticehurst were a couple for around 18 months until July last year, but they briefly got back together in December.
Daniel Billings (pictured) has been charged with the murder of his ex-girlfriend, Molly Ticehurst
Molly Ticehurst (pictured) was allegedly murdered before 2am on Monday morning
Billings, originally from Queensland, was on bail for the previous serious charges at the time of Ms Ticehurst’s death and had been ordered by the court not to approach her.
Daily Mail Australia can reveal Billings was a keen boxer who competed.
Ms Ticehurst had a six-year-old son and celebrated his 28th birthday on April 12, just ten days before her death.
On Monday, Detective Inspector Jason Darcy, head of crime for the Central West Police District, described the alleged murder as “terribly violent”.
“I have 34 years of law enforcement experience, former homicide detective. I visited a few and it was pretty brutal,” he said.
Det. Inspector Dacy confirmed police were investigating claims Billings visited Ms Ticehurst’s work last week.
Ms Ticehurst’s father Tony said his daughter was “beautiful” while sharing his anger at the justice system over Billings not being kept behind bars.
Following his arrest, Billings was refused bail and appeared at Orange Local Court on Tuesday morning where all of his charges were heard.
No application for bail was made and this was refused. Billings will face court again on June 20.
Ms Ticehurst had a six-year-old son and worked at a daycare in Forbes.
Her father, Tony Ticehurst, has since shared his anger that his daughter’s alleged killer was on bail at the time of her death.
“Someone has to be responsible,” Mr Ticehurst told Nine News.
“If they had kept him in jail like the police wanted, we wouldn’t be having this conversation.
“I can say all the normal things people say about how beautiful their daughter is, but Molly really was.”
On Tuesday, a family friend created a GoFundMe for her family.
The fundraiser read: “On Monday… everyone’s hearts were broken, discovering that the life of a beautiful mother, family member, friend, educator, ‘a colleague and much more was suddenly and tragically taken away.’
“I hope I can help ease some of the pain by helping to raise funds to give Molly the best possible start.
“I ask that if you can donate please do so, everything is appreciated.” May Molly’s wings flourish and she rest in peace.
Friends and family members shared the fundraiser on social media Tuesday using the hashtag #mollywashername.
A close friend and godmother of her son also shared a tribute that read: “I want to wake up from this nightmare.”
“I want to wake up to see your name light up my phone, I want to see you smile, hear you laugh and watch you gorge on food.
“I wish I could go back in time and solve this problem, I want my godson to grow up with his mother.” You loved wholeheartedly and unconditionally, you were the life of the party and your son will always be your whole world.
Ms Ticehurst’s son was not at the home at the time of her death.
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