Community shattered after 23-year-old Ashleigh Grice allegedly killed by partner at Mullumbimby home in NSW

A community has been left reeling after a young woman was allegedly murdered by her partner in a quiet town in NSW’s northern rivers region.

Ashleigh Grice, 23, was found dead inside the unit she shared with her 29-year-old boyfriend, Jai Oden-Jenkins, on Poinciana St in Mullumbimby about 11.55pm last Friday.

Oden-Jenkins was allegedly in the shower when police arrived, responding to calls from concerned neighbours.

He was arrested at the scene and later charged with murder (domestic violence).

Two knives were allegedly found on the floor near Grice’s body, where police say she had suffered “defensive wounds”.

A post-mortem will determine her exact cause of death.

‘A beautiful soul’

Grice has been remembered as “a beautiful soul, a loving daughter, and a cherished sister”.

“Ashleigh lit up every room she entered with her warmth, kindness, and radiant spirit,” a close friend of her mother wrote on a GoFundMe page.

“Her absence has left a silence that echoes through the hearts of all who knew her.”

The organiser said the community had come to a standstill over the tragedy, which has brought the family “the deepest pain”.

“Let us come together not only in grief but in remembrance — to honor her life, her love, and her light,” she wrote.

“Keep Ashleigh’s name alive. Share her story. Speak her name. Celebrate her soul.”

Community shattered

The young woman’s death has rocked the tight-knit Mullumbimby community.

“Really feeling into the devastating loss of beautiful Ashleigh whose life was cut tragically short. The community is grieving alongside her family and friends,” one resident posted on social media.

“We are broken-hearted & enraged at the (alleged) murder of 23-year-old Ashleigh Grice in Mullumbimby,” another wrote.

“This is such a terrible tragedy — in her own home and by the hands of someone who should have given her love and protection,” a third said.

A vigil has been organised at Heritage Park at 5pm on Friday to “grieve the heartbreaking and senseless loss of beautiful Ashleigh”, Byron Shire Mayor Sarah Ndiaye announced on Facebook.

“My heart breaks for the senseless loss of a precious life,” Ndiaye said.

“This is an incredibly sensitive and triggering time for so many. Domestic Violence affects so many, the ripples are far reaching.

“This gathering is not a protest, but a space to honour Ashleigh’s life with gentleness and care.”

From uni graduate to accused killer

Some Mullumbimby residents said they were “utterly devastated” after hearing the alleged killer on the day of the incident.

A neighbour reported hearing “screaming, yelling, banging, smashing” in the lead-up to Grice’s death.

It is understood she had only recently moved into the unit.

According to Oden-Jenkins’ social media, he was a graduate of RMIT University and had worked in jewellery, landscaping, and as a butcher’s apprentice.

Oden-Jenkins appeared in Parramatta Bail Court on Sunday where he did not apply for bail.

He remains in custody and is due to face Lismore Local Court on November 26.