October 25th 2024.
Sydney water polo coach Lilie James was a young woman with a bright future ahead of her. At just 21 years old, she was juggling university studies, part-time jobs, nights out with friends, and spending time with her family. She seemed to have everything going for her. However, tragedy struck when she was brutally murdered by her ex-boyfriend, Paul Thijssen, at her workplace at St Andrew's Cathedral School in Sydney's CBD in October of 2023.
Thijssen, who was also a former student of the school and worked there as a sports assistant, was later found dead at Diamond Bay Reserve in Vaucluse. It has been a year since Lilie's death, but the pain and suffering remain fresh for her parents, Peta and Jamie. They are heartbroken by the loss of their daughter and cannot forgive Thijssen for what he did.
In an upcoming interview with Tara Brown on Nine's 60 Minutes, Lilie's parents open up about their grief and hope to raise awareness about the epidemic of domestic violence. Brown describes Lilie as a young woman who was always on the go and her parents wished they had more time with her. She was a busy student, a part-time water polo coach, a dancer, and enjoyed spending time with her friends. She had a full life, just like any other 21-year-old.
Brown also reveals that Lilie's parents had never met Thijssen, which indicates that their relationship was quite casual. They were not concerned about Lilie's relationship with him because they trusted their daughter's judgment. However, everything changed when Jamie received a text message from Lilie, supposedly asking him to come to the school and help her out of some trouble. It was later discovered that this text message was sent after Lilie had already been killed by Thijssen.
The reason behind Thijssen's actions remains a mystery, but it is believed that he suffered from a narcissistic personality disorder, according to a forensic psychologist. He may have been filled with rage and hurt after Lilie ended their casual relationship, which lasted only five weeks. It was clear to both of them that it was never going to be serious, but Thijssen could not handle the rejection.
The full interview with Lilie's parents will be aired on 60 Minutes this Sunday at 8:40 pm. It is hoped that the upcoming coroner's inquest will shed more light on Lilie's death and the person Thijssen truly was. In the meantime, support is available for anyone who has experienced sexual assault, domestic or family violence through the National Sexual Assault, Domestic and Family Violence Counselling Service at 1800RESPECT. For those in need of immediate help, they can reach out to Lifeline at 13 11 14 or beyond blue at 1300 22 4636.
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