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.
<< photo by Sander Sammy >>
The image is for illustrative purposes only and does not depict the actual situation.
You might want to read !
- The Great Time Shift: Shedding Light on Daylight Saving Time in 2023
- Fortescue’s CEO Fiona Hick Steps Down Unexpectedly, Leaving Shareholders Stunned
- “Danny Zayat Faces Murder Charges: Investigating the Tragic Death of Tatiana Dokhotaru”
- Tragic ordeal of 18-hour child encounter with Tatiana Dokhotaru’s body sparks urgent investigation
- “Haaland shuts down Liverpool fan’s dream: A playful snub or a sign of deeper animosity?”
- “Haaland’s Light-hearted Snub: Refusing to Ink Liverpool’s Colours”
- “Haaland’s Mock-Refusal Puts Liverpool Fan’s Dreams on Hold”
- “Unraveling the Intricate Web: Danny Zayat Faces Murder Charges in Tatiana Dokhotaru Case”
- Adele Puts Security in Their Place: A Stand for Fan Respect