A man has refuted allegations of killing a woman whose body was discovered lying amidst two parked cars on a street with multiple stab wounds. Thisara Weragalage, aged 37, was apprehended and formally accused of the homicide of 32-year-old Nirodha Niwunhella, whose lifeless body was located on August 21. During the court proceedings at Cardiff Crown Court on Friday, Weragalage pleaded not guilty to the charge of murdering Ms. Niwunhella but confessed to possessing an item with a blade or point. The Recorder of Cardiff, Judge Tracey Lloyd Clark, ordered Weragalage to remain in custody, and a tentative trial date has been scheduled for February 9 next year.
The deceased, Ms. Niwunhella, was found following a report from a concerned citizen to the authorities about a severely injured woman discovered between two vehicles in Riverside, Cardiff. Medical responders pronounced the victim dead at the scene at 7:50 a.m., as per information from Wales Online. Ms. Niwunhella, originally from Sri Lanka and residing in Canton, was formally identified by a close friend.
A post mortem examination conducted at the University Hospital of Wales revealed that the provisional cause of death for Ms. Niwunhella was attributed to multiple sharp force injuries by Pathologist Dr. Stephen Leadbeatter. Area coroner Patricia Morgan stated that there were suspicions of violence or unnatural circumstances surrounding Miss Niwunhella’s demise and consequently initiated and adjourned the inquest until the conclusion of legal procedures.
After her passing, the family of Ms. Niwunhella honored her memory as a “cherished daughter, family member, and beloved friend to many.” They expressed, “Nirodha will always be remembered with peace, love, and gratitude. She touched numerous lives with her kindness and warmth, and her legacy will continue to inspire us. Although her time was cut short, the love she shared will forever remain with us. Rest in peace, angel.”
Senior Investigating Officer DCI Matthew Davies of South Wales Police extended his condolences to Nirodha’s family, friends, and acquaintances as they cope with this tragic loss. He reassured the provision of specialized support to her loved ones and urged anyone with relevant information to come forward and assist in the ongoing investigation.