Community rallies behind father of slain schoolgirl Sophie Wang

The community has rallied behind a father whose daughter was allegedly murdered by her own mother.

Friends and the community have rallied to support the father of a 10-year-old girl who was allegedly murdered by her own mother on Queensland’s busy Gold Coast.

Sophie Wang was declared dead by paramedics at her home in Emerald Lakes at Carrara shortly after 6pm on August 13 after she was found by her father, Yun Wang.

The Emmanuel College year 5 student’s mother, Yingying Xu, 46, has since been charged with her murder and remains in custody on remand ahead of her bid for bail.

The brutal alleged killing rocked the tight-knit community at Emmanuel College who have since started a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds for the girl’s father.

Sophie Wang, 10, was found dead at her Gold Coast home.

Organiser F Shledon described Sophie as a kind-hearted and “dedicated sweetheart at home”, while at school she was known for her compassion and “bright spirit”.

“Sophie had a deep love for reading, music, and all things Harry Potter. Tragically, our beloved little angel Sophie was taken from us,” the organiser wrote.
“Her passing has left her family heartbroken and devastated, and her loss is deeply felt by her friends, peers, and the entire community.

“As Sophie’s family navigates this incredibly difficult time, we invite you to join us in contributing to a fund that will support them in any way possible during this period.”

The campaign has so far raised $6300 as of Saturday afternoon ahead of its goal of $20,000, with single donations ranging from $50 to as much as $1000.

Ms Wang’s father, Yun Wang, a Griffith University professor.

The girl’s mother, Yingying Xu, has been charged with her murder.

According to the campaign, the funds will allow Sophie’s family “space to grieve, heal, and begin to rebuild their lives without the immediate pressure of financial burdens”.

The child’s alleged murder sparked chaos in the otherwise quiet Gold Coast town, with Detective Acting Inspector Kent Ellis describing the scene as “incredibly confronting”.

Police allege Ms Xu slashed her daughter’s throat before fleeing from the home. She was later arrested by police in a nearby street more than four hours later.

The campaign comes more than a week after hundreds gathered for a candlelight vigil for the young student at Emerald Lakes main fountain, which included a minute of silence.