A mother whose daughter was allegedly stabbed to death has pleaded that no one ‘avoid’ her or ask about ‘specifics’ when they see her out in public, in a heartwrenching social media post.
Mackenzie Anderson, 21, was found unresponsive outside her Crebert Street apartment in Newcastle about 10.40pm on April 1.
Police allege Tyrone Thompson, 22, who had been in an on-and-off relationship with the single mother, fatally stabbed her. He has been charged with murder.
Ms Anderson’s mother Tabitha Acret spoke out about the tragedy for the time on Wednesday, thanking the community for their support during her ‘unbearable’ heartbreak.
The grief-stricken mother said the last six weeks had been the hardest of her life as she shared some tips on how to converse with her in public as she processes the horrific loss.
Mackenzie Anderson’s mother Tabitha Acret (left) has shared some tips on how to best approach her as she continues to process the tragic loss of her daughter (right)
Police allege Tyrone Thompson, 22, (pictured) who had been in an on-and-off relationship with the single mother, fatally stabbed her in her Newcastle unit on April 1
‘I know for many of you not knowing what to say or how to say it is a worry and I have listed some things below to help,’ she continued.
‘Don’t avoid me, I know you may feel sad or worried about what to say but avoiding me or keeping your distance makes it worse.
‘You don’t have to say anything, being kind and friendly is helpful.’
Ms Acret said she appreciated receiving well wishes but asked not to be questioned on ‘specifics around it’ while out in public.
She also provided an update on how she was coping in the aftermath of her daughter’s life being cut short.
Mackenzie Anderson, 21, (pictured) was found unresponsive outside her Crebert Street apartment in Newcastle about 10.40pm on April 1
Police allege Tyrone Thompson (pictured left), 22, fatally stabbed Mackenzie Anderson (right)
‘The last six weeks have been some of the hardest six weeks of my life, but they have also provided moments of such love,’ she said.
‘Thank you to all the people who have dropped off food, hugs, love and helped share tears.
‘Thank you to all the people who have sent messages and kind words of support. It’s been greatly appreciated and has helped us feel not alone in this new journey.’
Ms Acret, a dental hygienist in Newcastle, said returning to work this week ‘hadn’t been easy’ and had caused her ‘a lot’ of anxiety.
She again thanked friends and family for their love and well wishes and said their support had made an ‘unbearable situation survivable’.
On the day of Ms Anderson’s death, it’s understood she spent several hours drinking and socialising with Thompson even though there was an AVO in place between the pair
Thompson (pictured) was charged with murder, enter with intent and breaching an apprehended domestic violence order
On the day of Ms Anderson’s death, it’s understood she spent several hours drinking and socialising with Thompson even though there was an Apprehended Violence Order in place between the pair.
He is reported to have left the home but returned some hours later, entering Ms Anderson’s unit ‘without her permission’.
Ms Anderson called cops to notify them that Thompson was breaching the AVO, but tragically, by the time they arrived – only minutes later – she had allegedly been stabbed 20 times and died at the scene.
Her two-year-old son was found nearby, unharmed but drenched in her blood.
A police source told Daily Mail Australia Ms Anderson (pictured) was clinging to life when officers arrived but tragically died within minutes of officers arriving
Police said Thompson was still at the scene and had cuts and damage to his hands.
He was arrested and taken to John Hunter Hospital.
Friends of the couple said Ms Anderson and Thompson were in the early stages of rekindling their relationship after she separated from him months earlier.
A police source told Daily Mail Australia Ms Anderson was clinging to life when officers arrived on the scene.
‘She was still breathing,’ the source said. She lost her fight for life within minutes of police arriving and was declared dead at the scene.
Friends of the couple said Ms Anderson (pictured) and Thompson were in the early stages of rekindling their relationship after she separated from him months earlier
Ms Anderson’s mother previously opened up about the ‘new reality’ her family faced and the ‘overwhelming sadness’ she was experiencing.
‘We tragically lost our beautiful little girl,’ she wrote on Instagram.
No parent should have to bury a child and this is sadly our new reality… It’s been an overwhelming sadness that is in our hearts at the moment.’
The grieving mother said she hopes her daughter’s memory will ‘become a blessing’ to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved the ‘bubbly, feisty’ 21-year-old.
Thompson will face Newcastle Local Court on May 19.
