Tragic Ordeal: Examining the Gruesome Discovery of a Child with Tatiana Dokhotaru’s Body

National NSW Crime

Child spent 18 hours with Tatiana Dokhotaru’s body after alleged murder

By Perry Duffin

Updated August 28, 2023 — 2.22pm

The estranged husband of Tatiana Dokhotaru, a 34-year-old woman found dead three months ago in her Sydney unit, will face court charged with her murder. On Monday, homicide police disclosed that a four-year-old child had witnessed the alleged domestic violence killing and then spent almost a full day in the Liverpool unit with Dokhotaru’s body.

The Horrifying Ordeal

According to reports from homicide squad commander Danny Doherty, Danny Zayat, 28, allegedly murdered his former partner in the early hours of May 27. The circumstances surrounding the crime are described as “very tragic” and “vile.” Dokhotaru had anonymously called the police, alleging domestic violence against Zayat just before midnight. The police responded to the call but were unable to locate the unit. It was later revealed that a four-year-old boy was present during the alleged murder and remained in the unit with Dokhotaru’s lifeless body for 18 hours.

Doherty expressed his dismay at the fact that a young child was exposed to such a horrific event. He stated, “To my way of thinking, it aggravates the whole alleged murder, the fact that it’s committed allegedly in front of a four-year-old. And the fact that then that four-year-old’s left behind with [Dokhotaru] who, we’re saying, was by this stage lying dead in the unit.”

Search for Evidence

Investigators have been actively searching for evidence to build a case against Zayat. Last week, the police released grainy CCTV footage showing a mobile phone being thrown from the 22nd-floor balcony on the evening of Dokhotaru’s death. The phone, which remains unrecovered, is believed to be essential in solving the mystery surrounding her death.

Doherty urged the public to come forward with any information that could aid in the investigation. He stated, “There’s someone out walking the streets now who, we believe, will have information that could help us, or who knows who is actually responsible for Tatiana’s death.”

Support for the Victim

The police have been in contact with Dokhotaru’s family and friends, who reside in Canada, in an effort to gather more details about her life. Doherty stressed the importance of bringing justice to women who are being killed in their own homes. He emphasized that the case against Zayat is strong, even though it relies on circumstantial evidence.

Zayat was arrested in St Clair, Sydney’s west, and has been charged with murder. During his court appearance, he remained silent and did not apply for bail. The case will return to court in late September, where the murder charge will be heard alongside charges of domestic violence that Zayat allegedly carried out against Dokhotaru prior to her death.

Police Response Under Review

A separate critical incident investigation is currently ongoing to assess the police response to Dokhotaru’s phone call for assistance. This investigation will be conducted by Fairfield City police area command and will be subject to independent review.

Support is available from the National Sexual Assault, Domestic Family Violence Counselling Service at 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732).

Perry Duffin is a crime reporter for the Sydney Morning Herald. Connect via Twitter or email.