Lilie James, a highly regarded individual at St Andrew’s Cathedral School, was known for her versatility and charm, leaving a lasting impact on both students and staff. Her untimely demise at the hands of her ex-partner, Paul Thijssen, on the school premises in Sydney, where they both worked, shook the local community and beyond.
The tragic incident unfolded after Lilie, aged 21, decided to end her brief relationship with Thijssen, 23, just five days before the fatal event in October 2023. Reports reveal that on October 21, Lilie expressed her desire to move on from the relationship with Paul to a friend, stating she wanted a break from romantic entanglements.
Unaware of the sinister plans brewing, Lilie went about her routine on October 25, heading to her water polo practice. Little did she know that Thijssen had meticulously planned her murder, even rehearsing the brutal act multiple times before executing it.
The ongoing inquiry into the case revealed chilling details of Thijssen’s calculated actions. He was captured on CCTV footage entering the school bathroom armed with a hammer, later re-entering the scene to fine-tune his approach by switching the weapon to his other hand, displaying a disturbing level of premeditation.
According to 9News, counsel Jennifer Single SC emphasized the premeditated nature of the crime, stating that the CCTV footage of the incident was deeply disturbing, indicating a deliberate and planned act of violence.
The footage also captured Thijssen waiting in the staffroom for hours until Lilie returned from her water polo session. His deliberate actions to secure the location and isolate Lilie from potential help further underscored the calculated nature of the attack.
Tragically, Lilie’s unsuspecting demeanor as she interacted with Thijssen upon her return and her subsequent demise in the planned attack paint a harrowing picture of betrayal and violence. The forensic evidence later revealed the brutal extent of the assault, with Lilie sustaining multiple injuries, including defensive wounds, indicative of a fierce struggle.
Following the heinous act, Thijssen took his own life, leaving a trail of devastation in the wake of his chilling crime. The forensic psychiatrist involved in the case highlighted Thijssen’s motive as a twisted form of retribution for Lilie’s rejection, devoid of any signs of mental illness.
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