A Canadian woman living in Australia was brutally murdered by her ex-boyfriend in a case that exposed years of domestic abuse and left their young son as the only witness to the crime.
Violent End to Volatile Relationship
Tatiana Dokhotaru, a 34-year-old originally from British Columbia, was found dead in her Sydney apartment in May 2023 after what prosecutors described as an "explosive" relationship with Danny Zayat. The couple's volatile dynamic had reached a "real low" according to evidence presented in Australian court.
Late last week, after nearly four days of deliberation, a jury convicted Zayat, 31, of murdering Dokhotaru. The verdict brought some closure to friends and family who had watched the relationship deteriorate over years of abuse and death threats.
Final Desperate Plea for Help
On the night she was killed, Dokhotaru made a desperate emergency call that would be her final words. "Yes, hi. My ex-boyfriend's here and he's trying to kill me... My ex-husband's stealing my money from the house... he's bashing me," she told the operator before the line went dead.
Police later discovered her phone had been thrown off the balcony. The court heard that Zayat left the scene but returned the next morning, when he called authorities.
Toddler Son Becomes Key Witness
The couple's toddler son was left alone with his mother's lifeless body overnight, becoming the only witness to testify in the case. The child's testimony proved crucial to the prosecution.
"He said, 'Daddy was angry. Daddy was angry,'" Amber Haleta, Dokhotaru's friend, told Global News. "He was asked, 'When was the last time mommy's eyes were open? He said, the day before we were playing together. I couldn't wake mommy up. I couldn't wake mommy up.'"
A pathologist determined Dokhotaru died from blunt force head injury, which prosecutors said resulted from one or more blows combined with a fall. They also suggested Zayat had robbed his former partner.
Defense Arguments Rejected
Throughout the trial, Zayat maintained his innocence, acknowledging arguments with Dokhotaru but denying he murdered her. His defense team attempted to portray Dokhotaru as depressed and taking sleeping pills, even suggesting she was suicidal.
However, evidence presented to the court told a different story. Dokhotaru had sent messages to friends describing disturbing incidents, including being dragged by her hair. A video recording showed bruising around her neck, though she reportedly told some acquaintances she had been in a car accident or tripped.
The prosecution noted in closing arguments that "at least some part of Ms. Dokhotaru that continued to love the accused right up until her death," emphasizing that victims of domestic violence don't always behave in expected ways.
Justice Served but Grief Remains
The jury's verdict came with an 11-1 majority for murder rather than manslaughter. The Sydney Morning Herald reported that Zayat showed no reaction as the decision was read, though he later sat down and put his head in his hands.
Despite the conviction, Zayat continues to maintain his innocence and is considering an appeal. He will be sentenced in December.
Haleta told Global News she will travel to Australia to read her victim impact statement. "We're finally able to breathe a little bit, but it doesn't take away from the fact that this beautiful, smart, loving mother... is not here anymore," she said.
Dokhotaru had moved to Australia in 2012 and was reportedly selling knock-off luxury goods at the time of her death. A domestic violence restraining order against Zayat in 2022 had failed to protect her from the fatal violence that ended her life.
