A girl who was allegedly murdered by her mother was found by her father with her throat slit in what a detective has described as one of the most confronting scenes of his career.
Sophie Wang, a fifth-year student at Emmanuel College, was unable to be rescued by paramedics after they rushed to her home at Emerald Lakes, in Carrara, on the Gold Coast, shortly after 6pm on Tuesday.
Her father found the 10-year-old girl and called triple zero.
Sophie’s mother, Yingying Xu, 46, He was arrested Shortly before 10:30 p.m. and charged with murder.
“This is a tragic and distressing incident and our thoughts are with the family and community at this time,” Queensland Police Acting Inspector Kent Ellis told reporters on Wednesday.
‘In my 15 years as a detective, this is one of the most shocking scenes I have ever seen.
‘Despite the efforts of her father and emergency services, the 10-year-old girl was declared dead by paramedics who responded to the scene.
“An investigation was immediately launched and as a result the girl’s mother was charged with her murder.”
The schoolgirl has since been identified as Sophie Wang, a fifth-year student at Emmanuel College.
Mr Ellis revealed the mother was found on a nearby street and was not arrested until 10.25pm, more than four hours after the victim’s father made the triple-zero call.
Mr Ellis declined to comment on whether Xu had a history of mental health problems.
The 46-year-old woman was due to appear at Southport Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday morning.
She did not appear in person and a police request to suppress names and details of the case was later withdrawn following opposition from lawyers and media outlets.
Xu was remanded in custody and is due to appear again on November 29.
Emmanuel College Principal Dan Brown wrote a letter to the school community on Wednesday morning to share his condolences.
Queensland Police officers are seen in the unit where the ten-year-old boy was found.
Police are seen at the scene of the young woman’s death in Carrara on the Gold Coast on Wednesday.
A 46-year-old woman was arrested and charged with murder. Police were seen at the scene on Wednesday
“It is with great sadness that I inform you of a tragic incident that occurred last night at a home in Emerald Lakes, resulting in the passing of one of our beloved students,” the letter said.
We are devastated by this incident and know it will have a profound impact on our school community.
‘Our prayers go out to the boy’s family and friends, 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 well-being of our students and staff, and we will do everything we can to support our community in the days ahead,” Brown said.
‘Rest assured that we are here for everyone in our community – students, staff and parents – and these support services are available to anyone who needs them.
‘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 university said in a statement: ‘Our priority is to support our community during this difficult time.
‘We have mobilised our counselling and pastoral care teams to provide comprehensive support to students, staff and parents as our community deals with this distressing news.
Queensland Police Inspector Lou Serafim said officers had come across a “pretty traumatic” scene.
Paramedics were called to the scene but the girl could not be saved.
The girl’s father is believed to have found her at his home in Emerald Lakes, Carrara, shortly after 6pm on Tuesday.
‘We ask for your understanding and respect for the privacy of our families and students at this time.’
Emmanuel College, where fees cost up to $13,000 for students in years 10 to 12, counts recent Olympic gold medalist swimmer Cameron McEvoy as one of its alumni.
The school has a notable sports program, and athletic performance director David Reid recently attended the Paris games as Australia’s relay coach.
Inspector Serafim said police officers and paramedics were confronted with a “quite traumatic” scene.
“These officers and paramedics are receiving internal counselling in relation to the incident they were involved in,” he said.
Several ambulances were seen outside the house on Tuesday night as police blocked off the street.
Forensic officers were seen entering the home and a gazebo was set up outside the front.
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