Gold Coast alleged murder: Police probe TikToks posted by mother
Police are investigating several disturbing TikTok videos allegedly made by a Gold Coast woman before she allegedly murdered her daughter.
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A Griffith University academic is grappling with unfathomable grief after his wife allegedly murdered their 10-year-old daughter in a horrific killing that has left a community – including a top private school – reeling.
Shanghai-born Yingying Xu, 46, was charged with murder after her husband Dr Yun Wang discovered the mutilated body of their daughter Sophie in the living room of their home at Emerald Lakes on the Gold Coast.
The girl was found about 6pm on Tuesday, with her throat slashed in a scene that left some first responders in tears.
A candlelight vigil will be held for Sophie at the Emerald Lakes villa complex from 4pm Friday. “Please join us to remember and honour this beautiful young soul,” a community Facebook post read.
Premier Steven Miles said Sophie’s death was “absolutely gut wrenching”.
“I just cant imagine how that father felt,” he said. “Just hearing the reports of him screaming, nobody would ever wish that on anyone.”
Asked whether the family had any history with child services, Mr Miles said “not that I’m aware”.
Queensland Police Union president Ian Leavers said the death of Sophie Wang was a “tragedy in every aspect”.
“The first responding police were confronted by things they can never unsee and I’m concerned it may stay with them for the rest of their lives,” he said.
“Despite the distressing incident police remained resilient and have provided significant assistance to the Wang family.
“It is my hope that we never see this type of incident again and perhaps the Coroner may eventually provide some recommendations that could prevent a future family heartbreak.”
Mr Miles said it was too soon to jump to any conclusions about mental health factors in relation to the death of Sophie Wang and police needed to conduct their investigation before the government looked at the effectiveness of its mental health levy or a potential Royal Commission.
“We need to let police do their work to determine exactly what events have led to this terrible, terrible thing happening,” he said.
“I completely understand where Ian Leavers is coming from, our police are increasingly dealing with people dealing with mental health crises.
“We have a range of programs in place to support them, including those mental health co responders, and they do a really good job.
“When it comes to whether a Royal Commission would add to the work that we did through our parliamentary inquiry a couple of years ago which led to the mental health levy, I think it’s probably more appropriate to see that work roll out and then have a look at its effectiveness at a key point in time.”
Health Minister Shannon Fentiman said the alleged murder of Sophie Wang was “heartbreaking”.
Asked whether this tragic incident reinforced calls for a national approach to mental health, Ms Fentiman said: “Well, look, I think the incident on the Gold Coast is just heartbreaking, and I want to acknowledge the family, the friends, the school friends, the school community, in fact, the whole Gold Coast community - these sorts of events really do impact the entire community”.
“I also really want to acknowledge the first responders, the police have said what a confronting scene that was, we’ll work with police.
“Obviously, the mother is now in custody, there’s a police investigation, so it’s really not appropriate that I comment further, but all the support that community needs and that family needs in the days and months ahead, we will be there to support them.”
Neighbours reported hearing Dr Wang’s anguished cries after the gruesome discovery.
“I just heard him wailing. It was the most horrific sound I have ever heard,” neighbour Tracey Donovan said.
“That was a cry that words cannot explain … haunting.”
Dr Wang, an associate professor in chemistry and forensic science at Griffith, was seen wearing a blue forensic suit outside the villa complex as he bravely put aside his grief to help detectives investigating the shocking crime.
His wife was arrested at a nearby house about 10.30pm and assessed by paramedics before being taken by police to the Southport watch-house and charged.
Xu did not appear when the matter was mentioned in Southport Magistrates Court.
She was remanded in custody to appear in the magistrates court on November 29, with police ordered to provide a brief by November 8.
Police were investigating several disturbing TikTok videos allegedly made by Xu in the lead-up to the tragedy.
In one video, a user calling herself uxyingemily said she recently felt that the “the devil Satan has been telling me that he has been influencing … interfering with my soul”.
“Then he will take 100 per cent captive, occupy my soul and go to the end of times,” she said.
Gold Coast Detective Acting Inspector Kent Ellis from said first responders had encountered a highly confronting scene on Tuesday night.
“In my 15-year career as a detective, it is one of the most confronting scenes I have seen,” he said.
Insp Ellis said Sophie’s father had called triple-0 after finding her.
“Despite the father and emergency services’ best efforts, the young 10-year-old girl was pronounced deceased by attending paramedics,” he said. “An investigation was immediately commenced and as a result the child’s mother has been arrested for her murder.”
Sophie’s death shattered teachers and students at nearby Emmanuel College, where she was a popular Year 5 student.
Students were receiving counselling and some laid flowers in the school grounds.
In a letter to parents on Wednesday, principal Dan Brown said: “We are devastated by this incident and know it will profoundly impact our school community.
“ Our prayers go to the family and friends of the child, and we extend our deepest condolences to all those affected by this.
“While words cannot ease the shock and pain of such a tragic loss, please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you all.”
In an emotional statement, the college said Sophie was a well-loved student who joined the school community in 2019 as a Prep student.
“She was known for her love and passion for reading and learning, and was a high-achieving student who excelled in academic pursuits,” the tribute 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 was honoured in the school newsletter last October after becoming one of 10 students inducted into the “EC (Emmanuel College) Millionaires” group for reading one million words.
Ms Donovan said detectives from the Child Protection and Investigation Unit had been at the crime scene late into evening speaking with neighbours.
She said the family was quiet and friendly – their daughter would often been seen playing with other children in the street.
“For something like this to happen it’s a real tragedy. I think the whole street will feel it – just being so close to home,” she said.
Two of Dr Wang’s academic colleagues were at court after Xu appeared.
They told court staff they were trying to find Dr Wang to offer their support and were directed to police.
In a statement, Griffith University said the organisation was deeply saddened to hear of the tragic death of the daughter of a valued member of the Griffith community.
“Our thoughts are with the family and friends at this incredibly difficult time,” the university said in a statement.
“The university has offered to support him and his close colleagues.”
Dr Wang’s LinkedIn profile says he has worked at Griffith for almost 15 years, the past three as associate professor at the Gold Coast campus.
Originally published as Gold Coast alleged murder: Police probe TikToks posted by mother
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