UPDATE: In a shocking trial unfolding in the NSW Supreme Court, a Sydney man, Danny Zayat, stands accused of murdering his ex-partner, Tatiana Dokhotaru. The prosecution alleges that Zayat inflicted fatal blows on Dokhotaru, who was discovered dead in her Liverpool apartment in May 2023.
Developing details reveal that prior to her death, Dokhotaru experienced a series of threats and verbal abuse from Zayat, as documented during a harrowing phone call her mother overheard. During this call, she was heard calling triple-0 for help amidst a heated argument, only for Zayat to allegedly end the call and dispose of her phone from their balcony.
Crown prosecutor Alex Morris stated that Zayat could be heard on the recording asking, “Did you phone the cops?” as tensions escalated. The jury was informed that Dokhotaru only managed to provide her street address to the operator, missing her apartment number, which could have delayed emergency response.
The prosecution characterizes their relationship as “volatile and dysfunctional,” marked by physical violence and emotional abuse. Olya Dokhotaru, Tatiana’s mother residing in Canada, testified that she overheard Zayat verbally attacking her daughter, calling her a “fat slut” and threatening, “come home and I’ll kill you.”
Witnesses revealed that Tatiana confided in friends about past incidents of violence, including Zayat allegedly dragging her by her hair and spitting on her. In a disturbing text exchange, she detailed a confrontation where Zayat discovered messages from other men on her phone, resulting in him lashing out violently.
Morris emphasized the pattern of abusive behavior, presenting evidence that Dokhotaru’s attempts to contact authorities were thwarted by Zayat’s threats. The court is expected to conclude the trial soon, with closing submissions from the defense anticipated in the coming days.
This case highlights the urgent need for awareness and support surrounding domestic violence. If you or someone you know is experiencing similar abuse, please reach out for help. The National Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence Counselling Service offers a 24-hour helpline at 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) among other services dedicated to providing support.
Stay tuned for further developments on this tragic case as it unfolds in the courtroom.
