A tragic incident unfolded at a prestigious private school in Sydney, where sports coach Lilie James was brutally murdered by her ex-partner, hockey coach Paul Thijssen. Just moments before her death on 25 October 2023, Lilie was seen smiling and conversing with Thijssen, who was secretly plotting the attack.
The pair had recently ended a two-month romantic involvement, with Lilie making the decision to part ways just five days prior to the tragic event. CCTV footage presented during an inquest showed Lilie, 21, carrying a swimsuit towards the gym’s bathrooms, unaware of the impending danger. Thijssen, 24, had earlier blocked one of the bathrooms and followed her in wielding a hammer.
The footage revealed Thijssen standing outside the bathroom, looking directly at the camera before violently entering two minutes later. He subsequently attacked Lilie, killing her in what the coroner described as a calculated and premeditated act. Following the assault, Thijssen took his own life.
Counsel assisting the inquest, Jennifer Single SC, highlighted the unsettling nature of the footage, noting how it depicted a cheerful Lilie moments before the tragic events. The inquest further examined the troubling dynamics of their relationship, including Thijssen’s history of stalking and controlling behaviour prior to the murder.
Earlier security footage had shown him practising the attack and disabling the bathroom’s automatic doors, suggesting he intended to isolate Lilie and prevent any interruptions. The ongoing inquest aims to address themes of coercive control and harassment in relationships, with the hope of preventing similar tragedies in the future.
As the community grapples with this devastating loss, additional support resources are available for those affected by domestic violence and relationship abuse, such as the National Sexual Assault, Domestic and Family Violence Counselling Service at 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732).