Police in Australia have arrested a mother for the gruesome murder of her 10-year-old daughter. Science professor Yun Wang arrived home from work at Griffith University in Queensland to discover that his daughter’s throat had been cut. He frantically summoned paramedics, who tried to save the girl, but to no avail. Her mother, 46-year-old Yingying Xu, was nowhere to be seen, but police picked her up hours later on a street near the family home and charged her with murder.
Media reports indicate that the killing may have had a religious element, as Xu posted several Christianity-themed videos to TikTok on the day she allegedly took her child’s life. In the clips, Xu affirms that “Jesus is the incarnate son of man,” praises the trinity, and states that it represents the “one true God.” Investigators will examine the videos that will likely provide evidence as to the mother’s state of mind at the time of the murder.
Neighbors told reporters they were shocked to learn of the girl’s death and described her as a friendly and outgoing child. A woman who lives across the street from the family said Sophie Xu-Wang was in the school orchestra with her grandson. “He always spoke about her, and they got on very well,” she said.
Subsequent reports, however, suggest that Yingying Xu may never stand trial for the murder due to her mental state. Her case will reportedly be heard in Australia’s Mental Health Courts, which determine whether a person is mentally fit enough to face criminal punishment.
A candlelight vigil was held for Sophie at Emmanuel College, where she was in fifth grade. Hundreds of local residents attended the vigil. Dr. Yun Wang, the child’s father, and school principal Dan Brown were both present and thanked those who turned out to support the devastated doctor. “This is a testament to the strength of our community,” Brown said.
Detective Acting Inspector Kent Ellis said the crime was among the most “confronting” of his 15-year law enforcement career. Yingying Xu is remanded in custody to await her court appearance in late November.
