A mother accused of murdering her young daughter may be deemed unfit to stand trial over the alleged crime due to mental illness.
Yingying Xu, 46, has been charged with murdering her 10-year-old daughter Sophie Wang at their Emerald Lakes home, in Carrara, on the Gold Coast on Tuesday night.
Sophie, a Year 5 student at Emmanuel College, was found by her father at 6pm with her throat slashed and paramedics were unable to save her.
Xu, who was arrested and charged with the murder at about 10.30pm, may be dealt with by the Mental Health Court, legal sources have told the Courier Mail.
The court determines whether a person charged was of sound mind at the time of the alleged crime and if they’re fit to be prosecuted.
While police have not confirmed whether Xu has a history of mental health issues, she posted three videos on TikTok showing her muttering in Chinese about religion on the day she allegedly murdered her daughter.
In the clips, Xu talks about Christianity and how the ‘trinity’ is the ‘only true god’ and ‘Jesus is the incarnate son of man’.
The videos will form part of the investigation into the case, which seasoned 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, on the Gold Coast on Tuesday night
Her mother, Yingying Xu, 46, may not stand trial due to possible mental illness
Her school, Emmanuel College, held a memorial service for her on Friday morning which was followed by a candlelight vigil in Emerald Lakes later in the afternoon
Dr Yun Wang (pictured) found his daughter with critical injuries at their family home
It comes after a candlelit 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 outpouring of grief for the Year 5 student.
Hundreds of distraught locals, including friends of Sophie’s father, Dr Yun Wang, paid their respects at the vigil, many placing candles around the water fountain.
Emmanuel College principal Dan Brown addressed the crowd, thanking those who turned out to support.
‘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 hymn Amazing Grace.
Detective Acting Inspector Kent Ellis said on Wednesday that the case was one of the ‘most confronting’ he had experienced throughout his 15-year career.
Sophie’s father called triple-0 when he found his daughter but she was unable to be saved.
Heartbroken community members turned out for a vigil for Sophie on Friday
Many left candles by the fountain in honour of Sophie
Many of Sophie’s classmates from Emmanuel College turned out to the vigil
Hundreds of locals turned up to the vigil on Friday to show their support
Sophie was remembered as a ‘sweet angel’ at the vigil on Friday afternoon
Members of the community leave behind candles at 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 Emmanuel College students are seen hugging each other at the vigil
Hundreds of community members were seen at the vigil
‘In my 15-year career as a detective it’s one of the most confronting scenes I have seen,’ Mr Ellis said on Wednesday.
‘Despite her father and the emergency service’s best efforts, the 10-year-old was pronounced deceased by attending paramedics.
‘This is a tragic and distressing incident and our thoughts are with the family and community at this time.’
Police and paramedics who responded to the call will be provided with professional support.
Sophie’s classmates and others from Emmanuel College placed flowers and cards at a memorial site at the school
Hundreds of community members arrived to pay tribute to the 10-year-old at a memorial service on Friday afternoon
Students were informed of what had happened via a letter sent out by Emmanuel College Principal Dan Brown on Wednesday morning
Sophie’s classmates were seen grief stricken at a memorial service at the school on Friday morning
A young girl is seen wiping away tears following the death of Year 5 student Sophie Wang
An emotional service was held for Sophie on Friday morning
Many students found comfort in their parents following the tragedy
Emmanuel College students supported each other during a service on Friday
Sophie’s classmates at Emmanuel College received a letter from Principal Brown explaining what had happened on Wednesday morning
Mr Ellis said Xu was found on a nearby street some four hours later but would not comment on whether she 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.
Along with the memorial and candlelit vigil, grieving neighbours have been seen placing flowers outside the family home.
Sophie’s classmates at Emmanuel College received a letter from Principal Brown explaining what had happened 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,’ Mr Brown wrote.
‘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.’
Mr Ellis said that Xu was found by detectives on a nearby street four hours after Dr Wang’s triple-0 call
Xu’s social media activity will make up part of police’s investigation into the alleged murder
Heartbroken community members have left flowers at the scene of the alleged murder
It is understood that counselling will be made available for students and staff 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,’ the letter continued.
‘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.’
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