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Lilie James, a 21-year-old water polo coach, was found dead in a bathroom at St Andrew’s Cathedral School in Sydney’s CBD on Wednesday night. Her death is being treated as suspicious by the police, who are searching for a former student and ex-lover of hers, Paul Thijssen, as a person of interest. Here is what we know so far about this tragic case.
Who Was Lilie James?
Lilie James was a talented and promising young woman with a passion for sports and dancing. She grew up in Kogarah, a suburb in the southern region of Sydney, with her parents and younger brother. She attended St George Girls High School, where she excelled in swimming and water polo.
She won an under-17 tournament in 2019 and represented New South Wales at the national level. She was also a skilled dancer who participated in various competitions and performances since her primary school years.
Her parents shared many photos of her achievements and milestones on their social media profiles, showing their pride and love for their daughter. Lilie was studying for a Bachelor of Management in sports business at the University of Technology Sydney and was expected to graduate this year.
She worked as a water polo coach at St Andrew’s Cathedral School, a prestigious Anglican school in the heart of Sydney. She was well-liked and respected by her students and colleagues, who described her as a friendly, caring, and professional person.
How Did Lilie James Die and Where Was Her Body Found?
Lilie James was found dead in the gymnasium bathroom at St Andrew’s Cathedral School on Wednesday, October 25, 2023, around midnight. She had suffered severe head injuries and her death was treated as suspicious by the police. She had failed to return home that night, prompting her father to contact the authorities and report her missing.
Nina Funnell, Journalist & Survivor advocate shared a post on Twitter:
I am gutted to hear of the brutal death of Lilie James from substantial “head injuries”.
Police are hunting the school’s cricket coach who was sports captain of #standrews as a student.
Was it really necessary for the @smh to promote men’s Cricket in the story on Lilie’s death? pic.twitter.com/i6YR4lWPnb
— Nina Funnell, Journalist & Survivor advocate🎗️ (@ninafunnell) October 26, 2023
Who is the Suspect in Lilie James’ Death?
Paul Thijssen is a 23-year-old man who is wanted for questioning by the police in relation to Lilie James’s death. He is a former student of St Andrew’s Cathedral School, where he graduated in 2019. He was also a hockey player who represented Australia at the junior level.
He worked as the head hockey coach at the same school where Lilie worked. According to sources, Paul and Lilie had a romantic relationship that ended earlier this year. Paul was reportedly obsessed with Lilie and could not accept the breakup.
He allegedly stalked and harassed her for months, sending her threatening messages and showing up at her home and workplace uninvited. On Thursday morning, the police found Paul’s silver Lexus abandoned near Diamond Bay Reserve in Vaucluse, an eastern suburb of Sydney.
They also found a bin and other items that may be linked to the case. They searched the area with helicopters and dogs, but could not locate Paul. They believe he may be armed and dangerous, and have urged the public not to approach him but to call triple zero immediately if they see him or have any information about his whereabouts.
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What is the Next Step in the Investigation?
The police continue investigating Lilie James’s death and are appealing for any witnesses or anyone with information to come forward. They are especially interested in anyone who saw or spoke to Lilie or Paul on Wednesday night or Thursday morning, or anyone who has dashcam footage or CCTV footage from the areas of St Andrew’s Cathedral School, Diamond Bay Reserve, or anywhere in between.
They also urge Paul Thijssen to surrender himself to the police and assist them with their inquiries. They have warned that anyone who helps Paul evade arrest or obstructs the investigation will face serious consequences.
The police have not revealed any motive or evidence for Lilie’s murder, but they have said that they are following several lines of inquiry and are confident that they will solve the case. They have also assured the public that they are doing everything they can to find Paul and bring him to justice.
Lilie James’s death is a tragic and senseless loss of a young life that has touched many hearts. We hope that the truth will come out soon and that Lilie will rest in peace.
