Killer’s weird act after teacher’s death
CCTV footage has emerged of the man suspected of killing 21-year-old Sydney teacher Lilie James, just hours after she was killed in the school where they both worked.
Footage from 9 News shows 23-year-old Paul Thijssen visiting Diamond Bay Reserve at 8.47pm on Wednesday night, about an hour where the alleged murder occurred at St Andrews Cathedral School in Sydney’s CBD.
The Dutch-national can be seen walking down the path, before he dumped the alleged murder weapon in the bin and drives off in his silver Lexus.
9News reports he sat in his car for two hours before calling police and alerting them of the location of Ms James’ body.
On Saturday morning, police confirmed the body pulled out of the water at Diamond Bay Reserve in Vaucluse had been formally identified as Mr Thijssen.
Mr Thijssen, who was a St Andrews alumni, had been wanted for questioning by police. It’s believed the pair dated for about five weeks, before Ms James ended her relationship with the sports coach and assistant.
NSW Police said inquiries were continuing and a report will be prepared for the Coroner.
At about 7.40am on Friday, police commenced a lengthy four-and-a-half-hour operation to retrieve the body off the coast near Diamond Bay Reserve in Vaucluse.
Officers from the Eastern Suburbs Police Area Command were also assisted by the Rescue and Bomb Disposal Unit, the Marine Area Command, and the Westpac Rescue helicopter.
On Friday, Ms James’ family released a statement and said they were “devastated and heartbroken by the loss of our beautiful Lilie James”.
“She was vibrant, outgoing, and very much loved by her family and friends,” it said.
“We are tremendously grateful for the support of our community at this difficult time.
“As a police investigation is underway, we will not be providing further comments. We ask that you please respect our privacy and direct any media queries to the NSW Police Media Unit.”
