Nineteen-year-old Audrey Griffin, a gifted athlete and aspiring navy recruit, was found dead in Erina Creek on March 23, prompting an investigation into her demise. Authorities originally determined the case to be an accidental drowning. After the release of CCTV footage, investigators charged 53-year-old Adrian Torrens with murder, prompting his arrest only two days later. In fact, Torrens was charged with several domestic violence offenses not even connected to the murder charge.
Griffin’s body was discovered near The Entrance Road in Erina around 3:45 PM on the day she was reported missing. Friends had reported her missing earlier that day when she didn’t come home after an evening out. Her passing has left her community swimming through an ocean of grief. Imagine the impact hundreds recently made on a Central Coast beach to honor her short but wonderful life.
Investigation into Audrey Griffin’s Death
Audrey Griffin’s unexpected passing loosed an avalanche of grief among family and friends. She had been reported missing that morning on March 23 after going out the night before with friends. Authorities ruled her death an accidental drowning after her body was discovered in Erina Creek. The heroic tale took a troubling turn when they arrested Adrian Torrens.
Torrens was arrested and charged with murder just 12 hours after police released CCTV footage of the man they wanted to speak to. Alongside the murder charge, he had 11 other domestic violence cases. His lawyer appeared for him at the Sydney Downing Centre Local Court where he did not seek bail. The case was adjourned until next month.
“But I needed to find the strength because I wasn’t satisfied with what the outcome (of the early investigation) was, so I kept going.” – Kathleen Kirby
Community Mourns a Rising Star
Griffin was honored as an artistically talented young woman with a colorful imagination and big plans for her future. Only weeks before her tragic loss, she performed a superhuman athletic feat. Recently she completed her first half Ironman event in New Zealand. Friends shared that she was optimistic, courageous and spirited, representing a life full of possibility.
The community came together to pay tribute to Griffin at Terrigal Beach. Hundreds of mourners packed the place to pay their last respects. It was a beautiful testament to how she shaped the lives of those who knew her that made this event particularly special.
“It’s like you can’t breathe, it’s like you don’t want to breathe.” – Kathleen Kirby
Adrian Torrens Found Dead in Jail
Adrian Torrens was found unresponsive in his cell on Thursday afternoon. This heartbreaking news came just hours before the planned community memorial for Audrey Griffin. His body was discovered around 4:50 PM, raising questions about the circumstances surrounding his death.
Torrens’s death is a tragic addition to an already complex and unnatural situation. The murder investigation remains active. At the same time, the community deals with the reality of the loss of what seemed to be a positive young life and the sudden closing of a case that has held in rapt attention.
