Mum charged with daughter’s murder named

A mother charged with the murder of her 10-year-old daughter whose throat was allegedly slashed can be named publicly after an intense legal battle.

Yingying Xu, 46, has been charged with the murder of her daughter Sophie Wang on the Gold Coast.

Emergency services were called to a home at Emerald Lakes in Carrara just after 6pm on Tuesday after Sophie’s father discovered her injured.

Paramedics attempted to revive the Emmanuel College year 5 student but she was declared dead at the scene.

Ms Xu was found by police nearby about 10.25pm and taken into custody.

She was later charged with murder and her matter was mentioned for the first time in Southport Magistrates Court on Wednesday.

Detective Acting Inspector Kent Ellis said the scene was “incredibly confronting”, with members of both the Queensland Police Service and paramedics set to receive support.

“In my 15-year career as a detective it’s one of the most confronting scenes I have seen,” he said at a press conference on Wednesday morning.

“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.

“We encourage anyone within the community that is distressed by this incident to please reach out to the necessary support agencies.”

Inspector Ellis declined to comment on how the father was holding up out of respect.

“Our thoughts do go out to the family at this time,” he said.

“Our investigation is ongoing and we have committed to ensuring that justice is achieved for this 10-year-old victim.”

Police prosecutor Senior Sergeant Nicole Jackson applied in court for a non-publication order under the Bail Act to protect the identity of the mother, the girl and anyone who might be called as a witness at a later date. 

The application was supported by Ms Xu’s defence lawyer Daniel McShane.

The court was told Ms Xu was not making any formal bail application, which can only be done in the Supreme Court when someone is charged with murder. 

A joint media application, which included the NewsWire, was made to fight the non-publication order.

Media lawyer Sophie Robertson said the non-publication order should only be made if it was “reasonably necessary”. 

She said the prosecution or defence had provided “no material or evidence for why an order would be necessary”.

“Section 12 in the Bail Act is only invoked to give when the bail application has been made,” Ms Robertson said. 

“No bail application has been made, Your Honour doesn’t have power under section 12 under that act. 

“There is no other power in this court to make the circumstances (for the order).”

After a lengthy discussion about whether the court had the power to grant the application, magistrate Sue Ganasan said she would be “proceeding under common law”.

“I am suggested for the sake of the progress of this case and on the fact that I have been asked to make it,” she said. 

“It’s not a mere belief, I accept this is an inferior court. 

“I’m saying the defendant should not be identified.”

When questioned by Ms Robertson whether she was making an actual order, Ms Ganasan said she was “requesting” the name of the accused not be published. 

However, after it was made known to the court that media had already published that Sophie’s mother was charged with murder, but not yet named, Sergeant Jackson withdrew her non-publication order application. 

Police will prepare a brief of evidence and the matter was adjourned to November 29 for further mention.

Ms Xu will remain in custody on remand. No plea has been entered

Sophie’s identity was made public by her school principal on Wednesday morning before court began.

The Courier-Mail reported that the school sent out a letter on Wednesday morning.

“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 will reportedly be available for students at the school.

“Our priority is the wellbeing of our students and staff, and we will do everything possible to help our community over the coming days,” he 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.”