A man alleged to have murdered his ex-girlfriend in a prestigious Sydney CBD school bathroom is still missing — with NSW Police searching the coastline for any sign of him. Sports assistant Paul Thijssen, 24, is reported to have called triple-0 four hours after allegedly killing water polo coach Lilie James, 21, inside a gymnasium bathroom at St Andrew’s Cathedral School, where they both worked.
Woman found dead inside Sydney school Thijssen allegedly told police there was a body at the school they should investigate, The Daily Telegraph reports. 7NEWS understands James’ father also called police with concerns for her welfare when she failed to return home on Wednesday, prompting officers to attend the school just before midnight.
footage from the school allegedly shows James and Thijssen entering the school bathroom, with Thijssen leaving well over an hour later. Sydney City Police Area Commander Superintendent Martin Fileman said James suffered serious head injuries. “From her injuries, it was apparent she was a victim of a homicide,” he said on Thursday morning. Police revealed they were searching for a man, later identified as Thijssen.
from the school as part of their investigation. Fileman said the crime scene was “confronting”. “We’re currently working with the school to ensure the welfare of the students and they have measures in place to make sure those students are taken care of,” he said. St Andrew’s will be closed for the rest of the week, except for students sitting their Year 12 exams. “No students were involved and there is no ongoing threat,” the school said.