'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

Queensland’s North Braces for Impact: Cyclone Warning Issued Amid Ongoing Rain Challenges

In brief A topical low pressure system northeast of Cooktown is making…

Australia Unveils Significant Visa Fee Hike to $2,300: Everything You Need to Know About the Latest Changes

The Australian government has announced a significant increase in application fees for…
Arrest made in cold case disappearance of AFL great's brother

Breakthrough in Cold Case: Arrest Made in Disappearance of AFL Legend’s Brother After Decades

Police have arrested a man in relation to the 14-year-old cold case…
Colin Gray, the father of Apalachee High School shooting suspect Colt Gray, reacts after a jury convicted him of second-degree murder and involuntary manslaughter at Barrow County Courthouse in Winder, Ga., Tuesday, March 3, 2026. (Abbey Cutrer/Atlanta Journal-Constitution via AP, Pool)

U.S. Father Found Guilty After Son Uses Gifted Gun in School Shooting Tragedy

A father in the United States has been convicted of murder and…

Israeli President Isaac Herzog Tours ASIO Headquarters on Australia Trip

During his recent state visit, Israel’s President Isaac Herzog made a noteworthy…

Iran’s Alarming Nuclear Warning Sparks US Concerns: What You Need to Know

Israel has initiated a strategic deployment of troops into southern Lebanon, marking…
First planeload of Australians stranded in Dubai lands in Sydney

First Flight of Stranded Australians from Dubai Safely Lands in Sydney Amid Ongoing Travel Challenges

A planeload of Australians, who had been stranded in Dubai since the…
Donald Trump is under increasing pressure over his war with Iran.

Is This the Biggest Challenge Trump Faces in the Iran Conflict?

The market downturn shows no signs of abating. Donald Trump is under…
structures in Iran being struck by missiles

Iran Mourns Tragic Loss: Mass Graves and Thousands Gather to Honor 168 Children Allegedly Killed in US-Israel Strike

As the war in the Middle East intensifies, US President Donald Trump…

Australians Seek Unity Amid Deep National Divisions

Social cohesion in Australia is facing significant challenges, with recent surveys indicating…
Petrol prices are set to hit their lowest prices in three years.

Outrage Over Surging Petrol Prices: Are Service Stations Profiteering?

Australian oil companies are being accused of profiteering off the war in…
An exterior shot of BrewDog DogTap in Murarrie, Brisbane is one of five BrewDog locations in Australia.

Australian Pubs and Employment Secure Amid UK Company’s Major Workforce Reduction

Despite recent closures and staff layoffs in the UK, Australian BrewDog pubs…