Tyrone Thompson, 25, was diagnosed with complex post-traumatic stress disorder and severe personality disorder, but not psychosis, when he brutally murdered his ex-girlfriend, Mackenzie Anderson, age 21, by stabbing her 78 times. This information was presented by Thompson’s defence barrister, David Carroll, during court proceedings at the Newcastle Supreme Court. The prosecution accepted this mental health diagnosis, negating the need for expert psychiatric witnesses.
The case is significant in assessing Thompson’s moral responsibility at his upcoming sentencing. Carroll highlighted the challenging conditions Thompson has experienced while in solitary confinement at the Goulburn Correctional Centre.
Recently, Thompson submitted a letter that expressed remorse for his actions but lacked a deep understanding of the implications of his crime. In the letter, he conveyed feelings of love for Anderson and claimed he never intended to harm her. He explained that he took her phone to contact her mother regarding their relationship issues, hoping to reconcile. However, he described a rapid escalation of the situation, leading to violence after a confrontation involving a knife. Thompson recounted that he lost control after injuring his hand during their struggle, expressing regret for how that brief moment altered many lives. He acknowledged his troubled upbringing, marked by violence and alcohol, as a contributing factor to his actions.
Thompson, who was on parole for previous domestic violence offences linked to Anderson, committed the murder 16 days after his release. The incident occurred on March 25, 2022, when he broke into her Mayfield apartment in Newcastle. A male friend who attempted to assist Anderson witnessed Thompson attacking her before the police arrived, discovering her with multiple stab wounds, and a broken knife handle atop her chest.
As Thompson awaits sentencing, the court will weigh his mental health issues against the severity of his crime. Resources, including support lines such as Lifeline and 1800RESPECT, are available for individuals seeking help regarding domestic violence and mental health issues.