Coronial inquest will delve into the circumstances surrounding the murder of 21-year-old Lilie James, whose body was found in a bathroom at an elite private school in Sydney in 2023.

The tragic case of Lilie James, a promising young water polo coach at St Andrew's Cathedral School, has drawn significant public attention following her murder in October 2023. As details emerge from the ongoing coronial inquest into her death, several alarming patterns of behavior leading up to the incident have come to light, particularly regarding her alleged killer, Paul Thijssen. James was killed by Thijssen, a fellow staff member with whom she had been in a brief relationship. The inquest reportedly reveals that prior to the murder, Thijssen exhibited compulsive and controlling behaviors, including stalking her and rehearsing his attack. This behavior culminated in the horrifying act where James was killed with a hammer in a school bathroom under the guise of a normal day – only hours after the pair attended a costume shop for Halloween costumes together. Thijssen's meticulous preparations for the attack are especially disturbing, as evidence shows he practiced lunging at bathroom doors and spied on James as she went about her daily life. This raises critical questions about the systemic issues surrounding domestic violence, particularly how warning signs can often be overlooked. According to the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research, domestic violence remains a leading cause of homicide in New South Wales, indicating a grim reality that needs urgent addressing. As the inquest explores whether authorities could have intervened effectively before James' murder, it highlights a crucial point: many victims of domestic violence often fail to be heard or supported until it is too late. Moreover, James reportedly expressed to friends her discomfort and fears regarding Thijssen in the days leading to her death. The emotional testimony from her family during the inquest, particularly her grandmother's heartfelt words about the vibrant life James led, contrast sharply with the tragic circumstances of her death. This heartbreaking case serves as a sobering reminder of the ongoing challenges in addressing domestic violence. The statistics are stark: nearly half of all homicides in NSW last year were domestic violence-related, with a significant number involving women and their ex-partners. In light of these events, there is an urgent need for enhanced measures and policies aimed at protecting individuals from domestic violence and ensuring that those exhibiting controlling behaviors are monitored and held accountable before they can harm others. This analysis has been processed and reviewed by artificial intelligence to ensure factual accuracy and clarity for our readers.