The devastated father of a girl who was allegedly murdered by her mum was given the harrowing task of helping detectives walk through the crime scene – which seasoned detectives have described as one of the ‘most confronting’ they have ever seen.
Hours after coming home at 6pm to find his daughter dead in the most grisly fashion, Professor Yun Wang put on blue forensic clothes and helped detectives piece together the alleged murder of Sophie Wang, 10.
Police will allege Sophie’s mother Yingying Xu slashed her throat inside their Emerald Lakes home, in Carrara, on the Gold Coast, sometime earlier on Tuesday before fleeing the scene.
Xu, 46, was arrested in a nearby street more than four hours later – at 10.25pm – and has since been charged with murder.
Sophie’s death has rocked the tight knit local community, particularly Emmanuel College, where she was a Year 5 student, and which is located just 600metres from her home.
Sophie’s classmate Oliver Hayes, 11, laid flowers outside her home with his mother and other school friends.
‘She was one of the smartest kids in our school,’ Oliver said.
‘There’s so many words to describe her. She was very nice, she really cared about people a lot and she was very kind.’
The tragedy has also rattled staff at Griffith University, where Associate Professor Wang works in the chemistry and forensic science department.
Two male colleagues of Professor Wang’s were seen visiting the crime scene on Wednesday morning and speaking to officers.
The university is offering support to Professor Wang and his close colleagues.
‘We are deeply saddened to hear about the tragic death 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.’
Professor Wang, who specialises in renewable energy, has worked at the university in various roles since 2010 after relocate to the Gold Coast from Sydney.
Detective Acting Inspector Kent Ellis said Queensland Police are keeping the family and the community in their thoughts during this ‘tragic’ and ‘distressing’ time.
‘In my 15 years as a detective, it is one of the most confronting scenes I have ever seen,’ Detective Acting Inspector Ellis told reporters on Wednesday.
‘Despite her father and the emergency service’s best efforts, the 10-year-old was pronounced deceased by attending paramedics.
‘An investigation was immediately commenced and as a result the child’s mother was charged with her murder.’
Mr Ellis would not comment on whether Xu had a history of mental health issues.
The 46-year-old woman was due to face Southport Magistrates Court on Wednesday morning.
She did not appear in person and a police application to have names and details of the case suppressed was later withdrawn after it was opposed by lawyers and media.
Xu was remanded in custody and will next appear on November 29.
Emmanuel College Principal Dan Brown earlier penned a school community letter on Wednesday morning to share his condolences.
‘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.’
Counselling and grief support services have been provided to students.
‘Our priority is the wellbeing of our students and staff, and we will do everything possible to help our community over the coming days,’ Mr Brown said.
‘Please be assured we are here for all in our community – students, staff and parents – and these support services are available to anyone in need.
‘While words cannot ease the shock and pain of such a tragic loss, please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you all.’
The college said in a statement: ‘Our priority is supporting our community at this difficult time.
‘We have mobilised our counselling and pastoral care teams to provide comprehensive support to students, staff and parents as our community comes to terms with this distressing news.
‘We ask for understanding and respect for the privacy of our families and students at this time.’
Emmanuel College, where fees cost up to $13,000 for year 10-12 pupils, counts recent Olympic gold medalist swimmer Cameron McEvoy as one of its former pupils.
The school has a notable sports program, with the head of athletic performance David Reid recently attending the Paris games as ‘s relay coach.
Insp Serafim said police officers and paramedics had walked into a ‘quite traumatic’ scene.
‘These officers and the paramedics are receiving internal counselling in relation to the incident that they were exposed to,’ she said.
Several ambulances were seen outside the home on Tuesday evening as police blocked off the street.
Forensics officers were seen entering the home and a gazebo has been set up outside the front.
Police remain at the scene on Wednesday.