‘She cared for anyone in need’: Hundreds gather to pay tribute to slain 10yo

The girl’s alleged murder has rocked the Gold Coast community, paying tributes to the “beautiful” and “intelligent” 10yo.

Alexandra Feiam

3 min read

August 16, 2024 - 7:31AM

Mother charged with murder of 10-year-old daughter on the Gold Coast

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Hundreds are expected to gather to pay tribute to the slain Year 5 student who was allegedly murdered by her mother in her Gold Coast home.

Emergency services were called to the Emerald Lakes residence at Carrara, Queensland at 6pm Tuesday, where they found a Sophie Wang, a 10-year-old girl, reportedly with a slashed throat.

Despite their best efforts to revive Sophie, she could not be saved and was declared dead at the scene.

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Sophie Wang was allegedly murdered in her Gold Coast home.

Community pays tribute to slain 10yo

The girls’ mother, Yingying Xu, 46, was found on a nearby street hours after the incident and has since been charged with murder.

It’s understood the girl’s father, Yun Wang, discovered the 10yo unresponsive at the Carrara home before calling emergency services.

Tributes have flooded social media and the 10yo’s school, Emmanuel College, which wil host a candlelight vigil in her honour on Friday morning.

Sophie has been remembered as a caring, kind and bubbly girl, who was driven by her studies and incredibly intelligent.

Those who knew her remembered her as “one of the smartest” students in the school.

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“To hear what happened, really made me cry,” said an 11yo classmate, per the Gold Coast Bulletin. “She was really nice to me and I really enjoyed it. There’s so many words to describe her. Kind and cares about anyone in need.”

Premier Steven Miles said the crime was “absolutely sickening, gut-wrenching, awful”.

“I just can’t imagine how that father felt and hearing the reports of him screaming - nobody would ever wish that on him,” he said.

On Wednesday morning, Emmanuel College principal Dan Brown issued a letter to the school’s community, paying tribute to 10yo Sophie.

“She was known for her love and passion for reading and learning, and was a high-achieving student who excelled in academic pursuits,” the letter read.

“Sophie will be fondly remembered for her kindness, caring nature and unwavering positivity.

“She was an active participant in college life, contributing significantly to co-curricular performing arts programs and enrichment activities.

"Sophie’s legacy at Emmanuel College is one of dedication, compassion and enthusiasm.

“Her valuable contributions to our community will be cherished and remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

“She will be dearly missed.”

Sophie is remembered for her kindness and intelligence.

“I could never have imagined something like this would happen”

Speaking to reporters, Detective Acting Inspector Kent Ellis said the scene was “incredibly confronting” and has offered support for the first responders and members of the Queensland Police.

“In my 15-year career as a detective it’s one of the most confronting scenes I have seen,” he said.

A neighbour recalled seeing what she believed to be the girl’s father “wailing” as he was led towards the ambulance.

“It was the most horrific sound I have ever heard,” she said, per The Courier Mail. “That was a cry that words cannot explain – haunting.”

Other residents were horrified by the discovery, describing the street as a “very quiet” place. “It’s terrible, so upsetting,” said a neighbour, who explained she was finding it difficult to sleep.

A neighbour recalled her relationship with the Wang family, telling the Gold Coast Bulletin about seeing the family on a regular basis.

“They were beautiful, kind and wonderful neighbours,” she said. “I spoke to them often and I knew them well.

“I could never have imagined something like this would happen.”

Locals took to social media to share their condolences with the family who lost their child.

“I live just down the road and I’m in complete shock, my heart goes out to this family, I cannot imagine what they must be feeling. RIP little angel,” read one tribute.

“This is my neighbourhood, our community, I’m crying, total shock, hold your loved ones even closer, what is happening to this world!” said another on Instagram. “RIP ANGEL, sending you all the love you deserve.”