EXCLUSIVE
The distraught father of a 10-year-old girl believed to have been murdered by her mother was given the daunting task of helping detectives piece together the events during a crime scene inspection.
Hours after returning home at 6pm to find his daughter dead, Griffith University associate professor Yun Wang donned a blue forensic suit and helped detectives reconstruct the alleged murder of Sophie Wang.
Seasoned detectives described the crime scene as one of the “most confronting” they have ever seen.
Police suspect the Grade 5 student’s mother, Yingying Xu, slit her daughter’s throat earlier on Tuesday at their Emerald Lakes home in Carrara, on the Gold Coast, before fleeing the scene.
Xu, 46, was arrested more than four hours later – at 10:25 p.m. – on a nearby street and has since been charged with murder.
Sophie’s death has shocked the close-knit community in the area, including her school, Emmanuel College, which is just 600 metres from her home.
Sophie’s classmate Oliver Hayes, 11, laid flowers outside her house with his mother and other school friends.
“She was one of the smartest kids in our school,” Oliver told Daily Mail Australia.
“There are so many words to describe her. She was very kind, she really cared about people and she was very nice.”
Associate Professor Yun Wang (pictured) arrived home on Tuesday night to find his daughter apparently murdered. Daily Mail Australia can reveal he was wearing a blue forensic suit and helped police piece together what allegedly happened, just hours after her tragic death
Sophie Wang was a Year 5 student at Emmanuel College. Her classmate Oliver Hayes, 11, laid flowers outside her house with his mother and other school friends
Professor Wang’s colleagues are pictured talking to detectives at the crime scene on Wednesday
The tragedy has also shocked staff at Griffith University, where Prof. Wang works in the department of chemistry and forensic sciences.
Two male colleagues of Prof Wang visited the crime scene on Wednesday morning and spoke to officers.
The university provides support to Prof. Wang and his close colleagues.
“We are deeply saddened by the tragic passing of the daughter of a valued member of the Griffith community,” the university said in a statement.
“Our thoughts are with the family and friends at this incredibly difficult time.”
Prof Wang, who specialises in renewable energy, has worked at the university in various roles since 2010, after moving from Sydney to the Gold Coast.
Acting Inspector Kent Ellis said Queensland Police were keeping the family and community in their thoughts at this “tragic” and “distressing” time.
“In my 15 years as a detective, this is one of the most confronting scenes I have ever seen,” Detective Sergeant Ellis told reporters on Wednesday.
‘Despite the great efforts of her father and the emergency services, the 10-year-old girl was pronounced dead by the ambulance personnel present.
‘An investigation was immediately launched and as a result the child’s mother was charged with murder.’
Heartbroken community members have left flowers at the scene of the alleged murder
Police officers are seen carrying brown evidence from the unit in Carrara, on the Gold Coast, on Wednesday
Forensic officers arrived at the house in Carrara on Wednesday following the alleged murder
Mr Ellis declined to comment on whether Xu had a history of mental health problems.
The 46-year-old woman was due to appear in Southport District Court on Wednesday morning.
She did not appear in person and a request by police to withhold names and details of the case was later withdrawn after lawyers and the media opposed it.
Xu has been remanded in custody and will appear in court again on November 29.
Emmanuel College Principal Dan Brown wrote a letter to the school community on Wednesday morning to express his condolences.
Detectives and police officers can be seen talking to the public at the crime scene in Carrara
Queensland Police officers are seen at the unit where the 10-year-old was found
Police are seen at the scene of the young girl’s death in Carrara on the Gold Coast on Wednesday
A 46-year-old woman has been arrested and charged with murder. Police were seen on the scene on Wednesday
“It is with a heavy heart that I must inform you of a tragic incident that occurred last night at a home in Emerald Lakes, resulting in the death of one of our beloved students,” the letter reads.
“We are shocked by this incident and know it will have a significant impact on our school community.
“Our prayers are with the child’s family and friends and we extend our deepest condolences to all affected by this tragedy.”
Students are offered guidance and bereavement counseling.
“Our priority is the well-being of our students and staff, and we will do everything we can to support our community in the days ahead,” Mr Brown said.
“Please be assured that we are here for everyone in our community – students, staff and parents – and that these support services are available to anyone who needs them.
‘Words cannot ease the shock and pain of this tragic loss, but please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you all.’
The college said in a statement: “Our priority is supporting our community during this difficult time.
‘We have mobilized our guidance and pastoral care teams to provide extensive support to students, staff and parents as our community processes this disturbing news.
Queensland Police Inspector Lou Serafim said officers had attended a “pretty traumatic” scene
Emergency services were on site, but the little girl could not be saved.
The girl’s father is said to have found her at their home in Emerald Lakes, Carrara, around 6 p.m. on Tuesday evening.
“We ask for understanding and respect for the privacy of our families and students during this time.”
Emmanuel College, where tuition for students in Years 10 through 12 can run as high as $13,000, counts recent Olympic gold medalist Cameron McEvoy among its alumni.
The school has a notable sports program: the head of athletic performance, David Reid, recently attended the Paris Games as Australia’s relay coach.
According to Inspector Serafim, police officers and paramedics found themselves in a ‘quite traumatic’ scene.
“These officers and the emergency responders are receiving internal guidance in connection with the incident to which they were exposed,” she said.
On Tuesday evening, several ambulances were in front of the house, while police cordoned off the street.
Forensic personnel were seen entering the home and a gazebo was placed in front of the door.
Police will remain on site on Wednesday.