A young girl who was allegedly murdered by her mother was found by her father with her throat slashed in what a detective has described as one of the most confronting scenes of his career.
Sophie Wang, a Year 5 student at Emmanuel College, was unable to be saved by paramedics after they rushed to her home in Emerald Lakes, in Carrara, on the Gold Coast, just after 6pm on Tuesday.
Her father had found the 10-year-old and phoned triple zero.
Sophie’s 46-year-old mother, Yingying Xu, was arrested just before 10.30pm 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 Detective Acting Inspector Kent Ellis told reporters on Wednesday.
‘In my 15 years as a detective, it is one of the most confronting scenes I have ever seen.
‘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.’
The schoolgirl has since been identified as Sophie Wang – a Year 5 student at Emmanuel College
Heartbroken community members have left flowers at the scene of the alleged murder
Police officers are seen carrying brown evidence bags from the unit in Carrara, on the Gold Coast on Wednesday
Forensic officers are seen arriving at the home in Carrara on Wednesday following the alleged murder
Mr Ellis revealed that the mother was found on a nearby street and not arrested until 10.25pm – more than four hours after the triple zero call was made by the victim’s father.
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She did not appear in person and a police application to have names and details of the case suppressed was later withdrawn after it was opposed by lawyers and media.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.
Detectives and police are seen speaking to members of the public at the scene in Carrara
Queensland Police officers are seen at the unit where the 10-year-old was found
Police are seen at the scene of the young girl’s death in Carrara on the Gold Coast on Wednesday
A 46-year-old woman has been arrested and charged with murder. Police are seen at the scene on Wednesday
‘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.
Queensland Police Inspector Lou Serafim said officers had walked into a ‘quite traumatic’ scene
Paramedics had been called to the scene but the little girl was unable to be saved
The girl’s father is believed to have found her at their home in Emerald Lakes, in Carrara, just after 6pm on Tuesday
‘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 Australia’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.