Inquest Reveals Premeditation in Lilie James' Tragic Death

The ongoing inquiry examines coercive control, technology-facilitated abuse, and systemic failures in preventing intimate partner violence.

Lilie James, a 21-year-old water polo coach, was killed in a premeditated attack by her former boyfriend, Paul Thijssen, in October 2023 at St Andrew’s Cathedral School in Sydney.
Paul Thijssen meticulously planned the attack, including stalking James and rehearsing the murder in the days leading up to her death.
Thijssen used James’ phone to send deceptive messages to her parents after her death, an act that highlights the role of technology in facilitating abuse.
The inquest is focusing on coercive control, family violence, and whether authorities could have intervened to prevent the tragedy.
James is remembered by her family and friends as a vibrant and deeply loved individual, while the inquiry sheds light on broader societal issues surrounding intimate partner violence.