Sophie Wang: Mother Yingying Xu may never face trial after allegedly murdering daughter in Carrara, Gold Coast
A mother accused of murdering her infant daughter can no longer stand trial for the alleged crime due to a mental illness.
Yingying Xu, 46, has been charged with the murder of her 10-year-old daughter Sophie Wang at their Emerald Lakes house in Carrara, on the Gold Coast, Tuesday evening.
Sophie, a fifth-year student at Emmanuel College, was found by her father at 6pm with her throat cut. Emergency services were unable to save her.
Xu, who was arrested at around 10.30pm and charged with the murder, may be treated in the mental health court, legal sources told the Courier Mail.
The court determines whether a suspect was of sound mind at the time of the alleged crime and whether he/she can be prosecuted.
Police have not confirmed whether Xu has a history of mental health issues, but she did post three videos on TikTok in which she mumbles in Chinese about religion on the day she killed her daughter.
In the excerpts, Xu talks about Christianity and how the “Trinity” is the “one true God” and “Jesus is the incarnate son of man.”
The videos will form part of the investigation into the case, which has been conducted by the experienced Queensland police. detectives have described as one of the ‘most confronting‘ they have ever seen.
Sophie Wang, 10, was allegedly murdered by her mother at their Emerald Lakes home in Carrara, Gold Coast on Tuesday night
Her mother, Yingying Xu, 46, may not appear in court due to a possible mental illness
Her school, Emmanuel College, held a memorial service for her on Friday morning, followed by a candlelight vigil at Emerald Lakes later in the afternoon.
Dr. Yun Wang (pictured) found his daughter with serious injuries in their family home
It comes after a candlelight vigil was held for Sophie in Emerald Lakes on Friday afternoon.
The hour-long vigil began after an emotional service at Sophie’s school, Emmanuel College, on Friday morning, amid a public display of grief for the year five student.
Hundreds of distraught residents, including friends of Sophie’s father, Dr. Yun Wang, paid their respects at the vigil and placed candles around the fountain.
Emmanuel College Principal Dan Brown addressed the crowd and thanked those who had come to support him.
“This is a testament to the strength of our community,” he said.
“Thank you all for being here to cherish Sophie.”
A minute of silence was held for Sophie, followed by the song Amazing Grace.
Acting Detective Inspector Kent Ellis said on Wednesday the case was one of the “most confronting” he had dealt with in his 15-year career.
When Sophie’s father found his daughter, he called 911, but she could not be saved.
Heartbroken community members gathered for a vigil for Sophie on Friday
Many left candles at the fountain in honor of Sophie
Many of Sophie’s classmates from Emmanuel College came to the vigil
Hundreds of local residents turned out for the vigil on Friday to show their support
Sophie was remembered as a ‘sweet angel’ during the vigil on Friday afternoon
Community members leave candles during the vigil
Friends of Sophie’s father were also seen at the vigil
A young girl and her mother are seen at the vigil in Emerald Lakes on Friday
A group of students from Emmanuel College are seen hugging each other during the vigil
Hundreds of community members attended the vigil
“In my 15-year career as a detective, this is one of the most confronting scenes I have ever seen,” Ellis said 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.
“This is a tragic and painful incident. Our thoughts are with the family and community at this time.”
The police and paramedics who responded to the call will provided with professional support.
Sophie’s classmates and others from Emmanuel College laid flowers and cards at a memorial site at the school
Hundreds of community members gathered Friday afternoon to pay tribute to the 10-year-old at a memorial service
Students were informed of what had happened in a letter from Emmanuel College Principal Dan Brown on Wednesday morning
Sophie’s classmates were seen in mourning during a memorial service at school on Friday morning
A young girl wipes away her tears after the death of fifth grade student Sophie Wang.
An emotional service was held for Sophie on Friday morning
Many students found comfort in their parents after the tragedy
Students from Emmanuel College supported each other during a service on Friday
Sophie’s classmates at Emmanuel College received a letter from Principal Brown on Wednesday morning explaining what had happened
Mr Ellis said Xu was found on a nearby street about four hours later, but he would not say whether she 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.
In addition to the commemoration and candlelight vigil, grieving neighbors have also been seen laying flowers in front of the family’s home.
Sophie’s classmates at Emmanuel College received a letter from Principal Brown on Wednesday morning explaining what had happened.
“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,” Mr. Brown wrote.
“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.”
Mr Ellis said Xu was found by detectives on a nearby street four hours after Dr Wang’s triple-0 call
Xu’s social media activity will form part of the police investigation into the alleged murder
Heartbroken community members have left flowers at the scene of the alleged murder
It is known that cAdvice will be made available to students and staff at the school.
“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,” the letter 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.’