Bathroom where Lilie James was murdered is to be demolished
The parents of Lilie James have visited the memorial that friends and students set up for the popular water polo coach as it was revealed the scene of her murder at St Andrews Cathedral School is to be demolished.
NSW
Don't miss out on the headlines from NSW. Followed categories will be added to My News.
The school where young water polo coach Lilie James was murdered last week has announced it will demolish the bathrooms where the tragedy occurred, as her shattered parents visited the memorial her friends and students set up for their daughter.
Miss James, 21, was bashed to death inside the staff bathrooms at St Andrew’s Cathedral School last week by ex-boyfriend and colleague Paul Thijssen.
In an email to the school community on Friday, school principal Dr Julie McGonigle said the bathrooms – which have remained closed and off-limits since the incident – will be knocked down.
“As regards the staff toilet area of the Sports Centre, builders hoarding has been erected in front of that whole area so it cannot be seen, and the area behind the hoarding is being demolished,” she wrote.
.”
Miss James’ body was found just before midnight on October 25, after Thijssen, 24, made a chilling phone call to triple-0 to alert them of the gruesome scene inside the school.
Just hours earlier he chased Miss James into a bathroom with a hammer and killed her after she returned sport equipment to the college following a session with students.
Police traced Thijssen’s emergency phone call to Diamond Bay in Vaucluse, however they could not locate him. A manhunt was commenced, and his body was found in waters at the base of the cliffs 36 hours later.
The pair had been dating for about five-weeks, however it’s understood Miss James ended the relationship in the days prior to the murder.
Thijssen worked at the school as a sports assistant, and had been a student at St Andrew’s for Years 11 and 12.
The school was closed to students for two days following the tragic incident, however reopened on Monday, with the foyer becoming a makeshift memorial for Miss James, who was adored by both colleagues and students.
In her email on Friday, Dr McGonigle said Lilie’s parents Peta and Jamie and her brother had visited the school to view the tributes that had been left for their bright and bubbly daughter.
“This week the James family visited the School to see the floral tributes, cards and gifts left for Lilie,” she wrote.
“As with every time I have spoken to them, they showed deep concern and compassion for how our students are coping at this time. That in itself, is testament to the calibre of this family.
“Please continue to uphold them in your prayers.”
Thijssen’s parents, Esther and Stef were in the Netherlands when news of Lilie’s murder and their son’s suicide were revealed.
It’s understood they flew to Australia late this week – and are staying at a Sydney hotel, under police guard for their protection.
CLICK TO DONATE TO THE LILIE JAMES GOFUNDME
If you are experiencing distress or are concerned about someone, contact Lifeline on 131 114.
Chip off the old block: Down syndrome no barrier for Jagger
Little Jagger Lemmon is loving the water thanks to his new buddy and swimming coach Chip Hanson. The pair, who both have Down syndrome, have an incredible bond.
Stars, suits and style on show at TAB Epsom Day
Colourful suits, fascinators, and party shirts dotted the massive crowds at Royal Randwick’s TAB Epsom Day – one of the biggest race days of the nine-week Sydney Everest Carnival calendar.