The parents of a young man who brutally killed his ex-girlfriend have been avoiding facing the reality of his actions, according to an expert’s analysis. Paul Thijssen, 24, used a hammer to fatally attack Lilie James at St Andrew’s Cathedral School in Sydney, Australia, in October 2023. Following the incident, his parents Esther and Stefan Thijssen spread their son’s ashes in Australia, where they had relocated in 2015.
The tragic event unfolded when Thijssen lured Lilie into a disabled toilet under false pretenses, ultimately leading to her death. Subsequently, Thijssen himself died at Diamond Bay Reserve in Vaucluse, New South Wales, with authorities investigating whether his passing was intentional.
The Thijssens, residing in s-Hertogenbosch, also known as Den Bosch, moved to Australia due to Stefan’s employment. Paul had attended St Andrew’s for a brief period before returning to the Netherlands, only to come back to Sydney to work at the school. Despite the heinous crime committed by their son, the Thijssens have refrained from making any public statements or interviews regarding the matter.
According to criminal psychologist Tim Watson-Munro, the parents’ reluctance to engage with the details of their son’s actions is a common response in such situations. He emphasized the overwhelming nature of confronting such atrocities, expressing sympathy towards the grieving parents. Watson-Munro highlighted the shocking nature of murder cases and the psychological impact it has on all parties involved.
Investigations revealed that Thijssen had meticulously planned the attack, as evidenced by his behaviors captured on CCTV footage prior to the incident. He had taken precautions, including locking doors and strategically positioning himself to carry out the assault. These actions were further corroborated by his purchase of multiple hammers from a DIY shop, although the specific hammer used in the crime was not identified.
Additionally, a harrowing recording of Thijssen’s emergency call reporting Ms. James’ death was released by the New South Wales Coroner’s Court. The call depicted Thijssen’s evasiveness in providing crucial information, raising suspicions about his intentions and knowledge of the events.
The court proceedings also revealed the disturbing details of Thijssen’s behavior leading up to the tragedy, including stalking Ms. James and displaying concerning actions in the days preceding the fatal incident.