New triple-0 detail in murder of beloved 21-year-old at Sydney private school

Police have seen CCTV from inside the school where a water polo coach was found dead, as new details about a triple-0 phone call emerge.

The sports coach who dated a young water polo instructor found dead inside a prestigious school’s gym bathroom reportedly rang triple-zero four hours after she was believed to have been killed.

Lilie James, 21, was a staff member at St Andrew’s Cathedral School in Sydney’s CBD and was found with “serious head injuries” by police just after midnight on Wednesday.

Cops have now launched a full-scale hunt for her colleague, 24-year-old sports coach Paul Thijssen, who is also a former pupil of the school.

According to an exclusive report by TheDaily Telegraph, the pair had only broken up days ago after dating for five weeks.
The publication states the pair are believed to have met up inside the school building on Wednesday night where a fight ensued.

Paul Thijssen had reportedly dated Ms James for five weeks before they broke up. Picture: Facebook

CCTV footage obtained by police reportedly shows Mr Thijssen following Ms James into the gym bathroom, before he is seen leaving the area over an hour later, according to The Daily Telegraph.

Four hours later, Mr Thijssen reportedly rang police to inform them of a body on school grounds which should be investigated.

Officers soon arrived at the school where they were met with a “confronting” scene.

It’s understood Mr Thijssen - who comes from a privileged family - moved to Australia from the Netherlands in 2015 and began studying at St Andrew’s.

He secured a job as a cricket and hockey coach at his former school after graduating.

Lilie James, 21, a water polo coach, was killed at St Andrew’s Cathedral School. Picture: Facebook

Ms James had been dating colleague Paul Thijssen before they recently split. He is now missing. Picture: LinkedIn

Police traced the triple-0 call to The Gap, a notorious suicide spot in Vaucluse, where they found an abandoned backpack with some of Thijssen’s belongings.

Detective Superintendent Martin Fileman said on Thursday morning they were investigating whether he had killed himself in the area.

Investigators also found “an item linked to the homicide”, Superintendent Fileman confirmed.

There is no indication of a history of domestic violence between the two people, Mr Fileman said before confirming staff members had been called in after the “extremely daunting experience” for detectives who arrived at the scene.

The prestigious school will be closed until Monday. Picture: NCA NewsWire / David Swift

Parents of students were told of the “critical incident” via text message from the school.

“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. Mr Swibel,” it read.

An update later in the morning read: “No students were involved in the incident. Police are currently conducting an investigation in the SAH building. We will keep you updated. Mr Swibel.”

Ms James had reportedly only broken up with Mr Thijssen a few days before she was found dead. Picture: Facebook

Ms James was found in a school gym bathroom with severe head injuries. Picture: NCA NewsWire / David Swift

“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,” a spokesperson from the school said.

“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.”

Detective Superintendent described the scene as “quite confronting” for first responders.

Police were searching for Mr Thijssen near The Gap at Vaucluse on Thursday morning. Picture: NCA NewsWire / David Swift

The school is closed for all students except those sitting Year 12 exams, and there is no ongoing threat to students. Picture: NCA NewsWire / David Swift

St Andrew’s Cathedral is a coeducational, independent school that caters to students from Kindergarten through to Year 12.

The Anglican school charges up to $36,770 per year in tuition fees. Founded in 1885 as a choir school for nearby St Andrew’s Cathedral, the school currently has over 1400 students.

In the 2022 HSC, 660 year 12 students sat 760 exams and received 72 distinguished achievements, ranking the school 157th in NSW.

– with NCA Newswire