'He's trying to kill me': Triple 0 call released after murder verdict
Share this @internewscast.com

A tragic emergency call made by a woman on the night she was tragically killed has surfaced following a jury’s decision to convict her ex-partner of murder.

Tatiana “Tanya” Dokhotaru lost her life in her 22nd-floor apartment located in south-west Sydney on the evening of May 26, 2023.

During a frantic 89-second call to emergency services, she pleaded, “Yes, hi. My ex-boyfriend’s here and he’s trying to kill me,” conveying the immediate danger she faced.

Danny Zayat smirks as he arrives at court. (Nine)

Following a month-long trial in the NSW Supreme Court, Danny Zayat was convicted of murder by a majority jury decision.

After the verdict was announced, the court released the emergency call along with various pieces of evidence, including CCTV footage that captured Zayat fleeing the scene after the crime.

Also disclosed were phone videos depicting bruises on Dokhotaru’s neck from a prior assault by Zayat, further illustrating the history of violence.

The jury heard he had stolen $130,000 cash, his ex-girlfriend had kept stashed at home in a shoebox, earned from her Instagram business selling imitation designer goods.

Zayat’s lawyer had claimed his texts to Dokhotaru weeks before her death undermined allegations he badly beat her with the intention of ending her life.

Tanya’s heartbreaking triple zero phone call has been released by the court. (Nine)

Texts sent by the 30-year-old show he loved and cherished her, despite their volatile and dysfunctional relationship, the jury was told.

“I really wish things could have been different between us but I’m a f— up … I don’t want to continue to drag you down with me like I have been,” Zayat texted her on May 6.

“You will always be my first proper love, and I don’t think I could ever love anyone else like I love you.”

Zayat’s barrister, Madeleine Avenell SC, argued there was a reasonable possibility that Dokhotaru’s fatal brain injury might have been a result of accidents rather than three injuries inflicted by Zayat.

The builder told reporters in an interview before he was charged with murder that his ex had died from a drug overdose.

Thursday’s 11-1 verdict showed the jury sided with the Crown, which had extensively detailed Zayat’s prior violence and control towards his victim.

Danny Zayat cried fake tears as he claimed he found his ex-partner’s body. (Nine)

Dokhotaru had confided in a friend that her ex-partner had allegedly dragged her by the hair, spat on her repeatedly and threatened to kill her during a fight.

“I was fighting him off. I tried calling the cops, but he said he’ll kill me if I do,” she wrote on April 13.

“It was absolute hell. My body is in shock. My mind is too.”

In the messages read out in court, Dokhotaru confided she felt “so humiliated and violated” after the alleged assault and was struggling to process it.

Weeks later, she told her friend Zayat attacked her again after claiming she had been messaging his friend.

“He strangled me so bad, my throat is so bruised and swollen, I can barely breathe,” Dokhotaru texted on May 1.

Dokhotaru’s parents, who live in Canada, testified in October about Zayat’s regular abusive phone calls to their daughter during a visit in 2022.

Danny Zayat has been found guilty over the murder of Tatiana Dokhotaru. (Nine)

Zayat was remanded in custody until his sentence on December 19.

Justice Desmond Fagan dismissed defence pleas to not move so quickly to sentence, despite hearing that state-funded psychological and psychiatric reports would need to be prepared.

“Legal Aid must consider this promptly … and someone must prepare in anticipation of getting that grant,” he said.

Dokhotaru’s parents were not in Australia for the verdicts.

Support is available from the National Sexual Assault, Domestic and Family Violence Counselling Service at 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732).
Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Lebanon’s Involvement in Israel’s Middle East Strategy: An Emerging Dynamic

Lebanon has historically been a hotspot in the Middle East, with its…
Oil tankers and cargo ships line up in the Strait of Hormuz as seen from Mina Al Fajer, United Arab Emirates, Wednesday, March 11, 2026. (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri)

Aussie Alert: The Economic Indicator Set to Impact Every Household’s Wallet

Inflation could be driven into the mid-sixes as early as June, economists…

Tiger Woods Released on Bail Following DUI Arrest Allegations

In Brief Tiger Woods has been released from jail following his arrest…
Donald Trump speaking about his favourite pen at a cabinet meeting today.

Survey Identifies Key Figures Australians Hold Responsible for Fuel Crisis

According to the latest poll conducted by The Australian Financial Review in…
Fuel stockholdings by nation and out-of-order signs on a bowser.

Unveiling the Hidden Truth: The Shocking Oil Stock Graph the Government Overlooked

If oil stopped flowing around the world tomorrow, different countries would find…
L-R: Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, US President Donald Trump, Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick

Trump’s Mixed Signals Create Uncertainty About Iran Conflict

US President Donald Trump says the United States is winning the war…
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese during a press conference at Parliament House in Canberra on Friday 27 March 2026. fedpol Photo: Alex Ellinghausen

PM Rejects COVID-Style Mandates Amid Urgent Fuel Crisis Discussions with Global Leaders

Australia’s state and territory leaders will meet today for emergency fuel crisis…
Truck driver Robert Cook warning over diesel shortage

Pressure Mounts to Slash $3 Billion Tax Amid Escalating Fuel Crisis Concerns

Australia’s business chambers want the federal government to reduce the heavy vehicle…

Yemen’s Houthis Target Israel with Missile Strike: A New Threat to Global Shipping Routes

In Brief One month into the war, Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthis say they…

Albanese Unveils Strategic Fuel Powers: Key Changes and Their Impact on Australia’s Energy Future

IN BRIEF The Australian government will underwrite private fuel cargo purchases. This…
Trump slammed over 'huge miscalculation'

Trump Faces Backlash Over Alleged Strategic Misstep: Experts Weigh In

A prominent member of the Coalition has openly criticized Donald Trump’s recent…
Police stand outside the Bank of America building in Paris, Saturday, March 28, 2026. (AP Photo/Nicolas Garriga)

French Authorities Prevent Potential Bomb Attack in Paris

French police have thwarted a suspected bomb attack outside a Bank of…