A man accused of murdering his girlfriend at Mullumbimby in September last year has had the charge against him dropped.

The Office of the Department of Public Prosecutions withdrew a charge of murder against 30-year-old Jai Oden-Jenkins in Lismore Local Court this morning. 

Outside the court, public defender Jason Watts confirmed a post-mortem examination found Mr Oden-Jenkins’ 23-year-old girlfriend, Ashleigh Grice, died from a drug overdose. 

The report stated the cause of death was “a mixed drug effect”, with methylamphetamine and Bromazolam detected in her system. 

When the matter was mentioned in March, the court heard the post-mortem report finalised in December led to prosecutors not opposing bail for Mr Oden-Jenkins.

At that time, prosecutors were still seeking instructions on how to proceed with the matter.

A group of people knell in front of candles

The death of Ashleigh Grice prompted an outpouring of grief in the close-knit Mullumbimby community.

There was an outpouring of grief in the small town of Mullumbimby in the days after Ms Grice’s body was found inside the Mullumbimby property she shared with Mr Oden-Jenkins.

Around 400 community members gathered at dusk in a local park to hold a candlelight vigil for the young woman who was described as “a beautiful soul”.

Byron Shire mayor Sarah Ndiaye said the community was still feeling the loss of Ms Grice.

“My heart goes out to Ashleigh’s family and friends, it’s such a tragic loss of a young life whatever the circumstances,” she said.

“It’s a good reminder for all to take great care of themselves and each other.”

Mr Oden-Jenkins has been on bail and living in Victoria, and did not appear in court today. 

The murder charge and bail conditions are withdrawn and dismissed.