A body has been discovered at the base of a cliff in Sydney’s eastern suburbs, where search and rescue teams were scouring the area for a missing man, Paul Thijssen, who is wanted in connection with the suspected murder of a woman at St Andrew’s Cathedral School in the Sydney Central Business District (CBD).
The discovery took place during a police operation in Vaucluse, which is currently underway as part of the ongoing investigation.
The identity of the person found remains uncertain at this time. This development follows the tragic discovery of the body of 21-year-old Lilie James in the gym restroom at St Andrew’s Cathedral School. She was found with severe head injuries in what was described as a distressing scene for the responding officers.
Ms. James had a short-term relationship with the missing suspect, Paul Thijssen, who was also a part of the school’s sports staff. CCTV footage from the school has helped authorities trace the movements of the two individuals.
Mr. Thijssen made a call to the emergency services shortly before midnight on Wednesday, revealing the location of Ms. James’s body. This call occurred approximately four hours after her demise. A second crime scene was established at Diamond Bay Reserve in Vaucluse, where evidence related to the homicide was discovered.
The police have initiated helicopter and marine command searches along the South Head coastline and surrounding parkland. Premier Chris Minns expressed his condolences to Ms. James’s family, deeming the crime one of the most horrific he has witnessed in his public life.
The St. Andrew’s community is expected to face difficult weeks ahead, and the government has offered assistance, including an alternate location for Year 12 students taking their final exams.
St. Andrew’s head of school, Julie McGonigle, expressed deep concern for the affected families and assured them that the “horrors of evil” would not define their community. Ms. James, a former student at Danebank Anglican School for Girls, had a vibrant presence on social media, reflecting a socially-active life, strong family bonds, and a love for the ocean.
Paul Thijssen, a former student of St. Andrew’s Cathedral School and graduate of Utrecht University in The Netherlands, is the subject of an intensive police search.
Detectives have been collecting evidence from the school campus, which remains cordoned off, and Superintendent Martin Fileman has confirmed that Ms. James was a victim of homicide, with no prior indication of domestic violence between the two individuals.
This incident has been profoundly distressing for those involved, including the students at the school, who are being provided with counselling and support during this difficult time.