Police have revealed they were uneasy about attributing a teenage sportswoman’s death to an accident before new information sparked murder charges. The body of 19-year-old Audrey Griffin was discovered partially submerged in Erina Creek on the New South Wales Central Coast on March 24, 2025, after she went missing on a night out. Her alleged killer was arrested on Monday, April 21, 2025, following a four-week investigation into the rugby league and water polo player’s death.
Superintendent Darryl Jobson stated on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, that "This is a matter which has not sat well with us from the start." Over the past four weeks, police received several leads that ultimately led to a significant breakthrough on Friday, April 18, 2025, which allowed them to arrest 53-year-old Adrian Noel Torrens.
According to police, Griffin and Torrens were not known to each other but became involved in a physical altercation after 3 a.m. on March 23, 2025. Superintendent Jobson noted, "We received significant information which transferred this investigation to a homicide investigation." This shift in the nature of the case underscores the complexity and gravity of the situation.
Torrens was taken into custody on Monday and spent the night in jail before his matter was briefly mentioned in Sydney’s Downing Centre local court on Tuesday. He did not appear in court or request bail, which was formally refused. The 53-year-old will remain behind bars until his case returns to Gosford local court on June 20, 2025.
In addition to the murder charge, Torrens faces 11 unrelated domestic violence charges, including using a mobile phone in a harassing or menacing manner and 10 counts of breaching an apprehended violence order. These domestic violence charges, four of which were allegedly committed on the same day, are set to return to court in May 2025.
Torrens’s lawyer, Bashaar Elkheir, informed reporters that the investigation is still in its early stages. He has yet to determine the specifics of the allegations against his client, including how Torrens allegedly came into contact with Griffin.
The news of Griffin's tragic death has sent shockwaves through the community. A fundraising page set up to help her family with funeral costs has drawn an outpouring of grief, with the community expressing heartbreak over the loss of "the light in many of our lives." The organizer of the fundraiser stated, "There is no doubt she brought endless laughter and joy to everyone. She was the kindest soul to walk this earth and will always be in our hearts."
Griffin was remembered as a valuable member of the premiership Terrigal Wamberal Sharks rugby league team, known for her "larger-than-life personality" and "happy-go-lucky nature." She also played for the Gosford water polo club, which held a minute of silence in her honor, recognizing her ability to always bring a smile to those around her.
According to the Australian Femicide Watch, Griffin is among 23 women killed by violence in Australia so far in 2025. This statistic highlights a disturbing trend in violence against women, raising concerns about safety and the need for more robust protective measures. The community's response to Griffin's death reflects a growing awareness and demand for change in addressing violence against women.
As the investigation continues, many are left wondering how such a tragic event could occur. The circumstances surrounding Griffin's death have sparked conversations about the importance of community vigilance and support systems for those at risk of violence.
In the wake of this tragedy, advocates are calling for increased awareness and prevention efforts to combat violence against women. Resources such as Lifeline (13 11 14), Beyond Blue (1300 22 4636), and Fullstop Australia (1800 385 578) are available for those in need of support.
The community remains united in its grief and determination to honor Griffin's memory. As the legal proceedings unfold, many hope for justice for Griffin and for a future where no family has to endure such a heartbreaking loss. The impact of her life and the sorrow of her passing will resonate deeply within the hearts of those who knew her and even those who did not.
Ultimately, Griffin's story serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the urgent need to address the underlying issues of violence in society. Her legacy will not be forgotten, and the call for change continues to grow louder in the wake of this tragedy.
