The family of Penrith dentist Preethi Reddy have spoken of their grief after her body was discovered in a suitcase in her car.
The 32-year-old was reported missing on Sunday after she didn’t return home following a dental convention in St Leonards, north of the Sydney CBD.
Police said yesterday that her body had been found in her car, which was parked in suburban Kingsford. She had been stabbed numerous times.
In a statement released by NSW police on Thursday morning, Reddy’s sister Nithya said: “Words cannot capture the pain we are feeling with the passing of my beautiful big sister.
“Preethi was a bright light; loveable, kind, and protective of all whom were lucky enough to have been loved and cared for by her.
"Prior to this unthinkable event, she had been the happiest I’d ever seen her — she was living her best life.”
Nithya asked for people to respect the family’s privacy, adding: “Let the police do what they need to do to solve this horrific tragedy. Our family will never be the same without Preethi our lives. Please let her beautiful soul Rest In Peace.”
Detective superintendent Gavin Dengate revealed on Wednesday that Reddy attended a hotel on Market Street, in the Sydney CBD, with her ex-boyfriend Harshwardhan Narde on Sunday night.
On Monday evening, Narde died in a head-on collision on the New England Highway near Tamworth.
Police believe the collision was deliberate.
"Early investigations is the vehicle he was driving has moved to the incorrect side of the road and was hit by a truck," police said.
It was also revealed that Narde has been interviewed as part of "standard" procedure in a missing person's investigation.