The murder of 28-year-old Molly Ticehurst has prompted a national reckoning over domestic violence after her parents’ campaign for accountability followed the sentencing of her former boyfriend to 28 years in prison.
Daniel Billings was sentenced on Friday for breaking into Ms Ticehurst’s bedroom in Forbes, in central-western New South Wales, and killing her in a frenzied stabbing attack on April 21, 2024.
He was on bail at the time. The attack came after Ms Ticehurst reported sexual assault allegations to police, following what prosecutors described as a campaign of threats, violence and abuse. The rape charges were dropped after Billings pleaded guilty to murder.
He must serve at least 20 years before becoming eligible for parole, by which time he will be 49.
Ms Ticehurst was a childcare educator and mother whose parents, Tony Ticehurst and Kate Shaw, remained closely involved in the case through more than 870 days of delays and hearings.
Her father, a former coal colliery truck driver whose injuries had forced him to reduce his work and hobbies, had helped secure her home after Billings began threatening to break in and kill her. He changed the locks and fitted lengths of dowel into her window frames, while her mother stayed overnight when her daughter was frightened.
The family had also encouraged Ms Ticehurst to contact police and hoped she could receive protection through the New South Wales Government’s Staying Home Leaving Violence initiative. The scheme did not respond in time, and the family has called on Premier Chris Minns to release an investigation into her dealings with the programme.
A family’s campaign for change
News of the killing spread rapidly through Forbes, a town of about 6,000 people. At Ms Ticehurst’s funeral, residents gathered on a football oval decorated with balloons, listening to AC/DC songs and tributes from her friends.
Mr Ticehurst urged mourners not to focus on revenge. “Let’s not think of him or have vengeance in our hearts,” he wrote before the funeral. “Instead, think of the good memories Molly gave us.”
Speaking at the service, he said: “Molly didn’t have to leave us to grow her angel wings – they came with her as standard equipment.”
He added: “Every parent would like to see their child change the world but not at this cost.”
The legal case then stalled for more than 500 days as Billings’ lawyers negotiated with prosecutors. Mr Ticehurst attended every court mention, often greeting reporters, while Ms Shaw maintained a quiet presence despite the strain of repeatedly returning to court.
After another adjournment in November 2025, Mr Ticehurst told reporters outside Forbes court: “It seems to me that in life, the system let Molly down and in death continues the same route.”
“Instead of getting closure, all we get is anxiety, sadness and heartache,” he said.
Billings admitted the murder nine days later. Locals applauded the family as they left court, many wearing shirts bearing Ms Ticehurst’s face and the words “She matters”.
At the later sentencing hearing in the NSW Supreme Court in Orange, Billings avoided looking at Ms Ticehurst’s parents as details of the attack were heard. A video played to the court showed him singing along to Johnny Cash’s The Man Comes Around while driving from Parkes to Forbes.
Mr Ticehurst told Billings: “I hope every night Molly’s screams keep you awake and the hairs on your arm stand up at the terror.”
In her victim impact statement, Ms Shaw said: “Molly’s life was taken far too soon in a violent, malicious manner for no reason other than selfishness.”
Molly Ticehurst’s legacy
The family’s advocacy has contributed to tighter bail laws in New South Wales and closer monitoring of people accused of domestic violence. It has also focused attention on warning signs linked to intimate-partner homicide and the particular risks faced by women in rural communities.
Phil Donato, the local state MP and a former police prosecutor, said the delays had deeply disappointed the Forbes community. He had taken Mr Ticehurst’s concerns to the government after the father called him for support.
“That’s the fabric of these country communities. When people are doing it tough, the community rallies together,” Mr Donato said.
Pia Birac, deputy chief executive of Domestic Violence NSW, said Ms Ticehurst’s story would have a lasting impact.
“Her story is a powerful reminder of what’s at stake when our systems fail to keep women safe,” she said. “It’s prompted national reflection, renewed scrutiny to responses to domestic and family violence.”
“That’s due to the courage of her family.”
