Paul Thijssen's parents make decision about son’s body after Lilie James murder

The Netherland native’s remains were found at the base of The Gap two days after allegedly murdering Lilie James. 

The parents of suspected killer Paul Thijssen have made a huge call about his remains.

The Netherlands native was accused of murdering Lilie James, a 21-year-old water polo coach at St Andrew’s Cathedral School, a prestigious school located in Sydney’s CBD. 

She was found with “serious head injuries” in the gym bathroom shortly after midnight last Wednesday, where police allege she was beaten to death with a hammer. 

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RELATED: ‘Lilie we love you so much… it will be so hard to move on’

Lilie James was horrifically murdered.

Lilie James found murdered at Sydney school

Police were on the hunt for Paul Thijssen, the 24-year-old suspected of murdering James, who was seen on CCTV leaving the gym on the same Wednesday her body was discovered. 

They both worked at St Andrew’s together, and it is believed they shared a five-week relationship before Lilie broke things off. 

It’s believed the pair met at the gym before a fight broke out. 

Police were on the hunt for the suspected killer, who was traced making a call to police near The Gap at Vaucluse. 

On Friday, police found a body at the base of a cliff, and it was later formally identified as the Netherlands native. Detectives are not looking for any other suspects.

RELATED: ‘She was so kind’: Lilie James’ grandmother speaks out following tragic murder

Paul Thijssen's remains were found at The Gap.

Suspected killer’s remains not to be repatriated to The Netherlands

According to a report from 7News, it is now believed Thijssen’s parents have made a call about their son’s remains. 

Thijssen moved from The Netherlands to Australia in 2015 and studied at St Andrews until graduating in 2017. He then worked as a cricket and hockey coach at the school, where he met and worked with James. 

The suspected killer’s parents have reportedly said they will not repatriate their son’s body from Australia to their home in The Netherlands. 

Instead, it’s understood they will cremate his remains and scatter his ashes in Sydney. They will then return home. 

RELATED: ‘He stole her from us, he took everything, ripped us to pieces’

Ms James graduated from Danebank Anglican School for Girls in 2020. Picture: Facebook

Lily James remembered as a “vibrant” and “kind” woman

Heartbroken friends and family have shared their tributes to the slain 21-year-old, remembering her as a “kind”, “vibrant”, and “outgoing” woman who was “very much loved by her family and friends.” 

She was raised in south Sydney and was the eldest daughter of Peta and Jamie. She was a keen sportswoman and thespian who loved trying new things, such as ballet and swimming. 

Before working as a water polo coach, she attended the University of Technology Sydney after graduating from Danebank Anglican School for Girls in 2020. 

“I remember the day she was born, bright as a button coming out and never stopped since then,” her grandmother told Ben Fordham on 2GB. “Just kept learning and having fun. She had a lot of fun, Lilie, and she was so kind.

“Some people come into this world – I think they are so special, and they don’t stay long, and I think that was my granddaughter.” 

James’ father said the family was “devastated and heartbroken by the loss of our beautiful Lilie James”, per a statement from NCA Newswire. 

“She was vibrant, outgoing and very much loved by her friends and family.” 

Originally published as Paul Thijssen's parents make decision about son’s body after Lilie James murder