Chilling new detail in murder of Sydney water polo coach, Lilie James

There has been a chilling revelation about the final hours of slain Sydney water polo coach Lilie James and her killer Paul Thijssen.

2 min read

December 28, 2023 - 10:15AM

Lilie James’ murderer reportedly used the hammer he killed her with just hours earlier to arrange desks for HSC exams at their prestigious Sydney school.

The Daily Mail has reported the chilling detail as investigations continue into the final moments of both Lilie James and the hockey coach, Paul Thijssen.

The discovery of Ms James’ lifeless body in the gym bathroom of St Andrew’s Cathedral School occurred shortly after midnight on October 25.

Lilie James was murdered in the St Andrew’s Cathedral School gym by hockey coach Paul Thijssen. Picture: Facebook

Daily Mail reported that Thijssen appeared “upbeat” on the day of Ms James’ murder and was eagerly anticipating coaching hockey at St Vincent’s College, the other school where he worked, the following day.

St Andrew’s Cathedral School, where Ms James coached water polo, had asked Thijssen to set up desks in the gymnasium for the HSC students.

This task reportedly involved using a hammer and other tools from the school storeroom.

Some of the school’s international students were amid their finals, while Year 12 students had started their HSC exams two weeks prior to the murder.

Paul Thijssen, 24, killed Lilie James.

Thijssen and Ms James, who had a brief five-week relationship, reportedly met at the school gym after 6pm on October 24.

It was reported at the time that NSW Police detectives understood Thijssen had been captured on CCTV purchasing a hammer at a hardware store that Wednesday morning, leading them to believe he was armed with two hammers.

CCTV footage from the school reportedly shows the pair entering the gym bathroom, with Thijssen leaving over an hour later.

About two hours after the reported murder, security cameras at Vaucluse, 12km away, captured Thijssen.

Notably, this was the same location the young coach had visited with Ms James weeks prior.

Paul Thijssen and Lilie James had a brief relationship. Picture: Facebook

Returning to Vaucluse after the crime, Thijssen was again captured on security cameras inside the house of Ms James’ friend.

He arrived in a rented white Lexus at 8.47pm, allegedly dumped the murder weapon in a bin at 9.04pm, and then spent two hours in his car before reporting the crime to triple-0 just before midnight.

Using Ms James’ phone, Thijssen had already texted her father, pretending to be her, asking him to pick her up from St Andrews.

The triple-0 call was traced to The Gap in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs, where an abandoned backpack containing some of Thijssen’s belongings was found, though he could not be found, and a search ensued.

Thijssen’s body was spotted at the bottom of cliffs below Diamond Bay Reserve. Picture: Jack Evans/news.com.au

Police and morticians transport away Thijssen’s body found at the base of cliffs at Diamond Bay, Vaucluse. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Max Mason-Hubers

A day-long search in Vaucluse did not yield results, but on the Friday morning of October 27, tradies working above Diamond Bay Reserve spotted Thijssen’s lifeless body wedged in the rocks.

The tragic events have raised concerns about femicide in Sydney and the safety of women in the months since.

A memorial service was held at Ms James’ former high school, Danebank Anglican School for Girls, in November to celebrate her “vibrant” life.

A memorial service was held at St. Andrew’s Cathedral School to celebrate Lilie’s life. Picture: NCA NewsWire/ Dylan Robinson

Hundreds gathered, carrying dozens of lilies to honour the young woman.

Her father, Jamie James, shared a poignant statement, describing the day as a celebration of his daughter’s life.

“This day is all about her. She was an independent, vibrant young woman who was always on the go and lived each day to the fullest,” he told mourners.

“From the bottom of our hearts, we thank you for the many great memories we all share with Lilie.