St Andrew’s Cathedral School murder: Lilie James identified as victim
A young water polo coach found dead in a private school bathroom only began dating her suspected killer five weeks ago, it’s been revealed.
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A young water polo coach found dead in a private school bathroom only began dating her suspected killer five weeks ago.
Lilie James, 21, an adored staff member at St Andrew’s Cathedral School in Sydney’s CBD, called time on the whirlwind relationship with sports coach Paul Thijssen, 24, just days ago.
It is believed the pair met up inside the school building on Wednesday night where a fight ensued, before Ms James’ body was found.
The Daily Telegraph can reveal that police have obtained CCTV from inside the school which captured the lead up to Ms James’ death.
A mass search continues on Thursday for Mr Thijssen who police fear may have disappeared around The Gap area at Vaucluse, in the city’s east.
Mr Thijssen also coached hockey at St Vincent’s School in Potts Point. He is listed on the school’s website as ‘head coach’. St Vincent’s has been contacted for comment.
Ms James suffered horrific injuries in the fatal attack at St Andrew’s Cathedral School on Wednesday evening, with NSW Police now hunting for Thijssen who remains unaccounted for.
Police were called late on Wednesday night when Ms James failed to return home.
Officers arrived at the school’s CBD campus just before midnight looking for the young teacher and made the grim discovery in the sports department bathroom.
A second crime scene has been set up at The Gap in Vaucluse which is the last known address of Thijssen.
It is understood he worked at the school in a part-time role, having graduated from the school in 2017 where he was a sports captain.
A parent of a current student at the school paid tribute to Ms James, saying she was “the nicest and kindest person”.
“They all loved her... my daughter and her friends are so upset,” the parent wrote on social media.
Sydney City Police Area Commander Superintendent Martin Fileman said Ms James’s body was located in the school gym bathroom.
“Police located the body of a female in her early twenties in the gym area of the school,” he said.
“It is apparent from her injuries she’s a victim of homicide. She had serious head injuries. The actual scene itself was quite confronting for the police who turned up.”
A search of the area at Vaucluse saw police recover “property associated with the actual homicide”.
It is understood one of the items recovered was a backpack, but they have tight-lipped on whether a murder weapon was also found.
Superintendent Fileman confirmed police are currently looking for a male person also in his early twenties who they believe can assist with the investigation into Ms James’ murder.
“We believe he was employed also by the school,” he said. “They are known to each other.
“There is nothing to indicate there was any domestic violence or AVOs between them.”
Police spent Thursday morning conducting a line search across South Head Reserve and patrolling the coastline after property associated with the crime scene was discovered and the
“We ask everybody to be mindful we have numerous students turning up today for school and the HSC,” Superintendent Fileman said.
“They’re going to be confronted by this today.
“As you can imagine it’s an extremely sad time for everybody.”
He also confirmed other staff were present at the school at the time the body was discovered.
“We’re currently speaking with a number of witnesses,” he said.
The school has closed its doors for the rest of the week, with a text message to parents assuring them no students were involved in the incident.
“SACS is closed today and Friday (26-27 Oct) due to a critical incident. Yr12 exams will be held in BBC as normal. Yr5 camp will continue as normal,” one text message read.
“No students were involved in the incident. Police are currently conducting an investigation in the SAH building. We will keep you updated,” a follow-up message read.
On Thursday afternoon, St Vincent’s College sent out a letter to parents, telling them “counseling has been made available to any girls who require it”.
In the letter, Acting Principal Elizabeth Brooks said: “I encourage you to check in with your daughter this evening.”
Police are now sifting through school CCTV footage as forensics teams secure the scene.
Strike Force Trineura are investigating the incident.
Parents who arrived at the school to drop off their children, unaware of what had unfolded overnight, were shocked to discover what had happened.
“There’s an incident that’s occurred. The school is closed,” a police officer told a father of two standing behind police tape.
A school spokesperson said on Thursday: “St Andrew’s Cathedral School remains closed today to all students except those sitting Year 12 exams, as the school continues to work with Police following an onsite death overnight.
“No students were involved and there is no ongoing threat.
“An area of the school, not accessible to students, is a crime zone, and we await the approval of Police before bringing everyone back on site.
“The School has brought our school counsellors onsite for professional support for parents and students as required – and again we ask that the media respects the emotional situation of those seeking support.
“Police have asked that we do not make any further public commentary so all media inquiries must directed to the Police. Thank you for your cooperation.”
St Andrew’s Cathedral School is one of the city’s most elite and expensive private schools, charging almost $40,000 per year in fees.
It caters for more than 1400 students from kindergarten to year 12 and is one of Sydney’s oldest education institutions following its founding in 1885 as a choir school for nearby St Andrew’s Cathedral.
St Andrew’s Cathedral School ranked 157th in NSW in the 2022 HSC, with 660 exams sat by year 12 students and 72 distinguished achievements awarded.
The incident comes just a day after the school’s Facebook page pictured smiling students out the front of the building’s entrance as they collected clothing donations for Anglicare.
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