St Andrew’s Cathedral School murder: Police searching for Lilie James’ killer find body at Vaucluse
The body found at the bottom of the Vaucluse cliff has been identified as Paul Thijjsen after the family of murdered water polo coach Lilie James spoke of their heartbreak.
Police & Courts
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Police have confirmed the body found in water off Vaucluse on Friday afternoon is Paul Thijssen.
The body was found just after 8am with police and emergency crews finally retrieving it just after midday in a delicate operation using a rescue chopper.
It was moved to a blue tent on the clifftops of The Gap, before being moved on a stretcher and loaded into a van shortly after 3pm, then driven away from the scene. A police spokesman said the 24-year-old sports coach’s identity was confirmed using fingerprints and cross referenced with prints from Netherlands embassy.
Police rushed to the area under lights and sirens earlier this morning after a group of tradies working at a construction site along the cliffs spotted the body on the rocks below and called triple-0.
Thijssen had been wanted in relation to the death of water polo coach Lilie James, who was murdered at St Andrew’s Cathedral School, where she worked.
Meanwhile, the head of the school has told the school community that counsellors had been brought on site to provide additional support for parents and students.
“We are deeply concerned for the families directly involved in this incident and I am personally committed to aligning our communications with what is respectful to them and in lock step with the NSW Police,” Dr Julie McGonigle said.
“I will not move at a pace that ignores those priorities,” McGonigle wrote.
“Thank you sincerely for the love and support you are generously giving at this time – as I will share with staff today – the horrors of evil do not and will not define our community, that is my oath. Thank you for partnering with me in that commitment.”
“Many of you will want to know how we are supporting our students at this time.
“Counselling support for all students is available and pastoral care will be ongoing when students return to school and for year 12 students undertaking exams.
Earlier today, the family of Ms James, 21, broke their silence on the horrific death of their “beautiful” daughter.
“We are devastated and heartbroken by the loss of our beautiful Lilie James,” the family said in a statement to NCA NewsWire.
“She was vibrant, outgoing and very much loved by her friends and family.
“We are tremendously grateful for the support of the community at this difficult time.”
UTS Balmain Water Polo Club and the broader water polo community also expressed their sadness over Ms James’ death.
“Lilie joined as a member of Balmain this season,” they said in a statement on Instagram.
In only her first few games with her Balmain teammates, Lilie’s friendliness made a mark impressing those around her with her gentleness and kindness,
“Her loss will be felt across the club”.
Police have been scouring the Vaucluse area since Thursday in their search for Miss James’ ex-boyfriend who is accused of killing her in the bathrooms at St Andrew’s.
A new crime scene was established at the Vaucluse site, as rescue jet skis searched the water at the base of the cliffs.
The body was recovered from the base of a Vaucluse cliff at 12.36pm on Friday.
It’s understood Ms James was beaten to death with a hammer, with police on Thursday stating she had suffered serious head injuries.
Both Ms James and Thijssen were employed at the school, working in the sports department.
Miss James was a water polo coach, while Thijssen - a former student - was employed as a sports assistant.
The Daily Telegraph yesterday revealed they had been in a relationship for five weeks when Ms James broke things off.
Prior to the horrific killing, Thijssen can be seen on CCTV following Ms James into a gym bathroom at St Andrew’s Cathedral School about 7pm on Wednesday.
That same CCTV camera shows Thijssen leaving the area well over an hour later, while Ms James never comes out of the bathroom.
Almost four hours later, Thijssen called police, with a trace leading officers to Diamond Bay Reserve in Vaucluse.
Specialist police spent Thursday searching the waters near notorious suicide spot “The Gap” but found no sign of the 24-year-old.
Thijssen was a Dutch National, who was educated in the Netherlands and at St Andrew’s Cathedral School.
Tributes have been flowing for Ms James, who has been remembered by her loved ones as a “the nicest and kindest person”.
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