Former Partner of Domestic Killer Breaks Silence on Abuse and Tragic Warnings
The former girlfriend of one of Australia's most violent domestic killers has spoken publicly for the first time, revealing she tried desperately to raise the alarm before he murdered his new partner in a frenzied stabbing attack. Tyrone Thompson is currently serving a 15-and-a-half-year prison sentence for stabbing 21-year-old Mackenzie Anderson 78 times in an assault that lasted less than three minutes.
Detailed Account of Abuse and Control Tactics
In a new interview on Seven's podcast Kiss and Kill, Thompson's former partner and the mother of his child has provided a harrowing account of the abuse she endured and her frantic efforts to prevent further violence. Speaking on the condition of anonymity, she described Thompson as having a dual personality, stating, "He's like Jekyll and Hyde. Like, he's got this really nice nature side to him, but then there's this other side."
The couple met approximately five years ago, and initially, Thompson engaged in love-bombing behavior to win her over. However, after they moved in together, the abuse began to escalate. She recounted, "Starting to pick on me, pick on me about my appearance, the way I did things." When she attempted to end the relationship, Thompson attacked her car with a hammer, leaving her terrified and feeling trapped.
Failed Interventions and Tragic Outcome
Thompson had physically abused her for months and breached an Apprehended Violence Order (AVO) eight times, highlighting systemic failures in protection. When his attention shifted to Mackenzie Anderson, the young woman reached out to Thompson's former partner, messaging her to inquire about his behavior and even sending a photo showing two black eyes. Despite police involvement, Thompson, while on parole, broke into Anderson's Newcastle home and killed her.
Reflecting on the tragedy, his former partner said, "I did everything in my power to stop it from happening." During sentencing, the judge emphasized, "I am satisfied beyond reasonable doubt that the offender had an intention to kill the deceased." Thompson will be eligible for parole in March 2038, by which time his daughter will be 18 years old.
Ongoing Threats and Call for Support
From prison, Thompson has continued to harass his former partner, sending letters and making threats, prompting her to express fear about her safety: "I'd probably have to move because, yeah, I just... Very scary, scary thought." This case underscores the persistent dangers faced by survivors of domestic violence even after perpetrators are incarcerated.
For those seeking help, resources include DV Connect at 1800 737 732 (1800RESPECT) and Lifeline at 13 11 14. Support organizations such as The Red Heart Campaign, Australian Femicide Watch, The Allison Baden-Clay Foundation, Beyond DV, The Red Rose Foundation, White Ribbon Australia, and Friends with Dignity provide crucial assistance to victims.
Kiss & Kill is available on 7PLUS as a vodcast and on LiSTNR as a podcast, produced by Alison Sandy, the 7NEWS National Investigations Editor and Executive Producer.
