Young girl allegedly murdered in Gold Coast home identified as ‘beloved’ student

The Gold Coast community is in shock after the alleged murder of a 10-year-old girl in her home.

A young girl who was murdered in her Gold Coast home has been identified as a “beloved” Year 5 student.

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

Queensland Police have since arrested and charged a 46-year-old woman for the murder of the 10yo, whose body was found by a male relative. 

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Emmanuel College has paid tribute to Year 5 student, Sophie Wang.

Young girl remembered as a 'beloved' student

Despite the best efforts by paramedics, the girl was unable to be revived and was declared dead at the scene. 

Police allege the 10yo’s killer, who was found in a nearby street at 10:25pm, was known to the young girl. 

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She has now been identified as Sophie Wang, a Year 5 student at Emmanuel College in Carrara, per The Courier Mail. 

On Wednesday morning, Emmanuel College principal Dan Brown issued a letter to the school’s community, informing them of Sophie’s death. 

“It is with a heavy heart that I inform you of a tragic incident that occurred in a home within Emerald Lakes last night, resulting in the passing of one of our beloved students,” the letter read. 

“We are devastated by this incident and know it will profoundly impact our school community.

“Our prayers go out to the family and friends of the child, and we extend our deepest condolences to all those affected by this tragedy.

“Our priority is the wellbeing of our students and staff, and we will do everything possible to help our community over the coming days.

“Please be assured we are here for all in our community – students, staff and parents – and these support services are available to anyone in need.

“While words cannot ease the shock and pain of such a tragic loss, please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you all.”

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Speaking to The Courier Mail, 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. “That was a cry that words cannot explain – haunting.”

The neighbour recalled seeing Sophie playing with other children in the street, and described the incident as a “real tragedy”. 

“I think the whole street will feel it- just being so close to home,” she said. 

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. 

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.”

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A 46-year-old woman has since been arrested and charged. Picture: Keith Woods

Woman arrested and charged

Officers declared a crime scene and blocked off the street before launching an investigation dubbed Operation Whiskey Omega.

The woman will face Southport Magistrates Court on Wednesday morning. 

Holding a press conference on Tuesday night, before the women’s arrest, Inspector Serafim said the police were treating the incident as suspicious. 

“At approximately six o’clock this evening police received a triple-0 emergency call in relation to a 10-year-old girl who was located deceased in a unit,” said Inspector Lou Serafim at the scene. 

“At this point in time, we are treating the death of the 10-year-old girl as suspicious, and investigations are currently underway in relation to the demise of the girl.

“The triple-0 call was made by a relative who was at the incident scene when they located the 10-year-old girl.”

Inspector Seafim said the girl lived at the address where the body was located, explaining the people living at the address had been cooperating with police. “We’ve had nothing but cooperation from the people here and also the residents of the unit complex,” she said. 

Speaking to reporters, Inspector Serafim said the scene was confronting, and have been offered counselling to cope with the distressing scene. 

“My staff who attended as first responders and also the emergency services from the Queensland Ambulance Service have entered a scene that is quite traumatic, and these officers and the paramedics are receiving internal counselling in relation to the incident that they were exposed to,” she said. 

Originally published as Young girl allegedly murdered in Gold Coast home identified as ‘beloved’ student