A man has been handed a prison sentence after his former girlfriend was tragically found dead in her apartment in Sydney, Australia, two years ago.
Tatiana Dokhotaru, who was 30 years old, was discovered in her home in May 2023. Reports indicate that this discovery occurred about 20 hours after she made a desperate call to the police, claiming that her ex-boyfriend, Danny Zayat, was trying to harm her.
During the emergency call, Tatiana could be heard telling the operator that her ex-boyfriend was at her place and attacking her.
Tatiana, who had her own fashion business, also mentioned during the call that Zayat, 31, was taking her money. The call was cut off when Zayat reportedly grabbed her phone and threw it off the balcony, according to court statements.
Security cameras showed Zayat leaving the building with cash after the incident.
Because the call was disconnected, the emergency operator didn’t know exactly which apartment Tatiana was in, which caused a delay in the police response.
Authorities couldn’t find or enter the apartment until 20 hours later, when Zayat returned and called emergency services to report that he had found Tatiana dead.
Footage shows Zayat visibly upset in front of the police after discovering Tatiana’s body. However, prosecutors argued in court that his tears were insincere.
He was found guilty of her murder in November 2025.
Reports also say that Zayat left a 4-year-old child alone with Tatiana’s body for 12 hours. It’s not clear who the child belonged to, and it’s unknown if Zayat will face charges related to this.
Authorities stated that Tatiana died from a severe brain injury caused by forceful blows to her head.
During Zayat’s sentencing on Friday, December 19th, the judge criticized his actions.
The judge stated that a strong, muscular man used his fists to dominate a defenseless, small woman, calling it an act of cowardice and cruelty.
Zayat, who was found guilty of murder, has been sentenced to 18 years in prison.
He will be eligible for parole in 2043.
