Tatiana Dokhotaru, 30, was found dead in her Sydney apartment in May 2023 after placing a frantic 000 call in which she said her ex‑boyfriend was attacking her. Prosecutors say the emergency call cut off when her phone was thrown from a balcony and security footage showed the accused leaving with cash. Danny Zayat was convicted of murder in November 2025 and sentenced to 18 years in prison on Dec. 19, with parole eligibility in 2043. Reports also allege a 4‑year‑old child was left alone with Dokhotaru’s body for about 12 hours; details of that allegation remain unclear.
Ex-Boyfriend Sentenced to 18 Years After Woman Found Dead Following Frantic 000 Call
GoFundMeTatiana Dokhotaru.
Tatiana Dokhotaru, 30, was found dead inside her Sydney apartment in May 2023 after a frantic emergency call in which she said her ex‑boyfriend was attacking her. Her former partner, 31‑year‑old Danny Zayat, has been convicted of murder and sentenced to 18 years in prison, with parole eligibility in 2043.
Details Of The Emergency Call And Initial Investigation
During the 000 emergency call cited in court, Dokhotaru told the dispatcher, "My ex‑boyfriend is here and he’s trying to kill me … He’s bashing me." The call abruptly ended when, prosecutors say, Zayat took her phone and threw it from the apartment balcony. Security footage reportedly captured him leaving the building with cash shortly afterward.
Because the call cut off, the dispatcher was not given Dokhotaru's apartment number, which delayed law enforcement's ability to locate and enter the unit. Officers were unable to access the residence until about 20 hours later, when Zayat returned and called emergency services to report that he had found her dead.
Cause Of Death And Conviction
Medical authorities reported that Dokhotaru died from a fatal brain hemorrhage resulting from blunt‑force injuries to the head. Prosecutors argued that Zayat's actions caused those injuries. He was convicted of murder in November 2025 and, on Dec. 19, was sentenced to 18 years in prison.
Allegations Involving A Child
Reports say a 4‑year‑old child was left alone with Dokhotaru's body for approximately 12 hours during the delay. Media coverage and court documents did not make clear the child's relationship to the parties or whether separate charges have been filed in relation to that allegation.
Judge's Remarks And Reaction
At sentencing, Justice Desmond Fagan condemned Zayat's conduct, saying: "This large muscular male is standing over a defenseless, diminutive woman having asserted dominance with his fists. It is a picture of cowardice and cruelty." Prosecutors described footage of Zayat breaking down as "crocodile tears."
Support And Resources
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, help is available. In Australia contact 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) or visit 1800respect.org.au. In the United States, the National Domestic Violence Hotline is 1‑800‑799‑7233 or thehotline.org. All calls are confidential and support is available 24/7.
Sources: Reporting compiled from The Sydney Morning Herald, ABC News, news.com.au, The Canberra Times and The Brisbane Times.
