A 21-year-old woman's brutal murder has sparked outrage in Australia following the sentencing of her ex-boyfriend, who was convicted of the crime. Tyrone Thompson, who stabbed Mackenzie Anderson 78 times, was sentenced to a maximum of 22 years and six months in prison on May 2, 2025, with a non-parole period of 15 years and six months. The sentence has left Anderson's mother, Tabitha Acret, devastated, expressing her anger and disappointment outside the Newcastle Supreme Court.
As the sentencing was delivered, Acret ran sobbing from the courtroom, collapsing in distress. "While no verdict and no sentence can bring Mackenzie back, we are outraged by today’s outcome," she told reporters. "Whilst this might be thought of as a good outcome for the courts, we are disgusted that this sentence is what they think the value of my daughter’s life was worth." Acret called the sentence an insult to women globally and demanded an urgent appeal.
NSW Premier Chris Minns responded to the public outcry, stating, "I can’t begin to imagine the pain that is being felt by Mackenzie’s family at this news. They rightly deserve justice for the horrific murder of their daughter." He mentioned that the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions is currently reviewing the sentence in accordance with Prosecution Guidelines.
Justice Richard Weinstein, who presided over the case, described the murder as a frenzied attack, stating that one of the two knives used in the assault had snapped due to the force of the stabbing. The prosecution highlighted that the crime was aggravated by previous domestic violence incidents, Anderson’s fear of Thompson, and her attempts to end the tumultuous relationship, which he refused to accept.
Weinstein emphasized the profound impact of Anderson’s murder on her family, noting that they were left with feelings of helplessness, despair, and anger. He acknowledged that Anderson’s loss would forever affect her family and described her death at such a young age as "every parent’s nightmare." However, he also took into account Thompson’s significant mental health issues, which included a history of domestic violence as a child, difficult schooling, and exposure to drugs, stating that these factors diminished his moral culpability.
Despite the judge's remarks, it was clear that the court's decision did not sit well with Anderson's family and supporters. Thompson, who is 25 years old, watched the sentencing via audiovisual link from prison, avoiding direct contact with Anderson’s grieving family. He had initially been due to stand trial for murder but opted to plead guilty in April 2025.
In a letter of remorse addressed to the judge, Thompson, who has been diagnosed with complex post-traumatic stress disorder and a severe personality disorder, claimed that the pair struggled over a knife during the incident. He stated, "When my hand was cut, something inside me lost control." Acret had previously shared her belief that her daughter must have endured a "fear no human should ever know" on the night she was killed, expressing her conviction that Thompson would indeed kill her after being paroled.
The relationship between Thompson and Anderson had been characterized by violence and turmoil since late 2019. Thompson had been jailed in October 2021 for assaulting Anderson, intimidating her, and destroying her property. He was released on parole on March 9, 2022, only to murder Anderson 16 days later after breaking into her apartment in the Newcastle suburb of Mayfield.
Thompson's actions were particularly egregious as he ignored an apprehended domestic violence order that prohibited him from contacting Anderson. This blatant disregard for the legal protections in place for Anderson has raised further questions about the effectiveness of the justice system in protecting victims of domestic violence.
As the community grapples with the implications of this tragic case, many are calling for systemic changes to better protect victims and hold perpetrators accountable. The emotional toll on Anderson's family and friends is palpable, with many expressing their discontent over the perceived leniency of the sentence.
Friends of Mackenzie Anderson gathered outside the Newcastle Court, holding jumpers memorializing her and demonstrating their support for her grieving family. The outpouring of grief and anger from the community underscores the need for a reevaluation of how domestic violence cases are handled within the legal system.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing issues surrounding domestic violence in Australia and the urgent need for reform. Advocacy groups are calling for more stringent measures to ensure that victims are protected and that justice is served in cases of domestic violence. The tragic loss of Mackenzie Anderson has ignited a conversation that many hope will lead to meaningful change.
If you or anyone you know needs support, please reach out to Lifeline at 131 114, beyondblue at 1800 512 348, Kids Helpline at 1800 55 1800, or the National Sexual Assault, Domestic and Family Violence Counselling Service at 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732).
