Mum’s chilling TikToks before alleged murder
Police are investigating disturbing TikTok videos allegedly made by a Gold Coast woman before she allegedly murdered her daughter.
Yingying Xu, the mother who has been charged with the alleged murder of her young daughter at a home on the Gold Coast, has been pictured.
Ms Xu, 46, was named in court on Wednesday. She’s accused of killing 10-year-old Sophie Wang, who has been remembered as a “beloved” Year 5 student.
The little girl’s body was found by her father, who called emergency services. Ms Xu is alleged to have fled the scene, with police saying she was arrested on a “nearby street” about four hours after the grim discovery.
Earlier in the day, Ms Xu posted multiple videos on TikTok in which, speaking Chinese, she referred to religion. In the clips, she says the “trinity” is the “only true god” and “Jesus is the incarnate son of man”.
The Daily Mail reports those videos will be part of detectives’ investigation into the case.
Sophie is alleged to have suffered several injuries in the Carrara home, including a wound to her throat.
“Yesterday, police were called to a residence in Carrara on the Gold Coast, following a report of a young girl being discovered unresponsive by her father,” Detective Acting Inspector Kent Ellis said at a press conference on Wednesday.
“Despite her father and emergency service’s best efforts, the young girl was pronounced deceased by attending paramedics.
“An investigation was immediately commenced and as a result, the child’s mother has been arrested for murder.”
Emergency services were called to the family home about 6pm on Tuesday and found an “extremely distressing scene”, Detective Act Insp Ellis said.
“In my 15-year career as a detective, it’s one of the most confronting scenes that I have seen,” he said.
Police allege the girl’s mother was later found on a nearby street about 10.25pm and was arrested before being charged overnight.
“We understand that this is going to cause distress amongst the community but can I please remind the community that there is no-one outstanding and there is no ongoing community safety concern at this time,” Det Act Insp Ellis said.
The girl’s father has been revealed to be Griffith University academic Yun Wang, with the institution offering its condolences in a statement.
“We are deeply saddened to hear about the tragic death of the daughter of a valued member of the Griffith community,” the university said.
“Our thoughts are with the family and friends at this incredibly difficult time.
“The University has offered support to him and his close colleagues.”
It’s believed Sophie’s father made the triple-0 call to emergency services after discovering her gravely injured.
Ms Xu did not appear in Southport Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday when her matter was mentioned.
She was formally remanded in custody to appear again on November 29.
Earlier on Wednesday, Emmanuel College principal Dan Brown issued a letter to the school community to inform parents 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 said.
“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.”
Mr Brown said counselling staff would be available to students at the college and sister school Josiah College to support students.
At today’s press conference Detective Act Insp Ellis would not be drawn on questions about weapons or motives linked to the alleged murder.
He also refused to comment on whether the alleged killing resulted from a “spur of the moment” attack.
“It is subject to our investigation but it’s inappropriate for me to comment on matters before the court,” he said.
Queensland Police Inspector Lou Serafim told reporters on Tuesday night that emergency services had been called by a male relative of the girl about 6pm.
She said the girl lived at the home where her body was found.
“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,” she said.
“At this point in time we are treating the death of the 10-year-old girl as suspicious, and investigations are currently under way 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.”
The senior officer said the scene emergency services faced was “quite traumatic”, and first responders would be offered support.
Shocked residents took to community Facebook pages on Tuesday night.
“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,” one woman posted.