Tyrone Thompson Expresses Remorse for Stabbing Ex-Girlfriend 78 Times

In a tragic case that shocked Australia, Tyrone Thompson has finally expressed remorse for the brutal killing of his ex-girlfriend, Mackenzie Anderson. On Tuesday, a handwritten letter from Thompson was submitted to Newcastle Supreme Court, where Justice Richard Weinstein acknowledged it as the first sign of regret from the 25-year-old.

The letter comes after Thompson admitted to stabbing 21-year-old Mackenzie Anderson 78 times with two kitchen knives during a two-minute attack in her apartment in Mayfield, a suburb of Newcastle, on March 25, 2022. The court heard that Thompson had a complex history of mental illness, including a schizoaffective disorder diagnosis, as well as PTSD and a severe personality disorder.

Justice Weinstein noted that while Thompson’s condition may reduce his level of moral responsibility, the full extent of its impact will be assessed after testimony from two forensic psychiatrists scheduled to appear on Thursday.

Thompson, who recently pleaded guilty to murder, had initially planned to stand trial. His sentencing hearing resumed this week after a brief delay, during which he considered dismissing his legal team, only to reverse his decision.

The prosecution highlighted the gravity of Thompson’s actions, particularly since the attack came just 16 days after he was released on parole for previous domestic violence offenses against Anderson. Her mother, Tabitha Acret, delivered a deeply moving victim impact statement, describing her daughter’s constant fear leading up to her death.

“She truly believed Tyrone would kill her once he was out,” Acret told the court. “The terror she must have felt in those final moments is unimaginable.”

A male friend, who had visited Anderson earlier that night, witnessed the horrifying scene through a small gap in the door as Thompson stood silently over her, stabbing her repeatedly. Police arrived to find Anderson gravely injured, with stab wounds to her face and body, and a broken knife handle on her chest.

Thompson, who sustained a hand injury during the attack, later told police that the pair had argued, claiming she had a knife before he wrestled it from her and began stabbing her until “she f***en stopped.”

He has been in custody since his arrest shortly after the incident.