William Harold Matheson walks free in Sydney after 2003 murder of ex-girlfriend Lyndsay Van Blanken
‘Fully evil’ killer is back on the streets after serving just 19 years for murdering his ex-girlfriend, 19, in a jealous rage and dumping her body in a cricket bag
- William Harold Matheson was released on Saturday
- He has served 19 years of his 25-year prison sentence
- Murdered ex-girlfriend, body hidden in bag in 2003
A man who brutally strangled his ex-girlfriend and stuffed her body in a cricket bag 19 years ago has been released from prison after being paroled.
William Harold Matheson was released on Saturday for six years before completing his 25-year sentence after his second application for parole was successful.
The convicted killer murdered 18-year-old Lyndsay Van Blanken before dumping her body in a garage stall in Sydney’s eastern suburbs in 2003.
Mrs. van Blanken’s body was not discovered until six weeks later after residents complained of a foul odor emanating from the Coogee apartment complex.
Matheson (pictured, after his release) was released on Saturday after his second application for parole was approved earlier this month
Lyndsay Van Blanken, 18, (pictured) met the convicted killer two years before her death when he performed at her mother’s wedding
Matheson became obsessed with Mrs van Blanken and started stalking her after she broke off their relationship and got engaged to another man
Matheson was sentenced in 2006 to an 18-year non-parole period.
His initial application was rejected last year, but he reapplied and was approved earlier this month after being identified as being at low risk of recidivism.
While on parole, Matheson will be monitored 24 hours a day as he lives at his parents’ home in Randwick in eastern Sydney.
He is prohibited from contacting the victim’s family in any form, and is prohibited from visiting several local government areas, including the Nambucca Shire, Hills Shire, and Coffs Harbour.
The skilled cellist became obsessed with Mrs van Blanken and started stalking her after she broke off their relationship and got engaged to another man.
Matheson was described as controlling, and police said he killed her in a jealous rage.
“He decided that if he couldn’t have her, no one else could,” said the victim’s mother, Cynthia.
Cynthia said the way she would describe him was as a “monster,” having previously said she believes he will reoffend if released.
“I think he’s all bad,” she said 9News.
“He has no consciousness, he has no feelings and he is so smart.”
The pair first met when Matheson performed at the wedding of the victim’s mother two years earlier.