Gold Coast Mother Charged with Murder of 10-Year-Old Daughter

A 46-year-old woman has been charged with the murder of her 10-year-old daughter, Sophie Wang, after the young girl was found dead at their Emerald Lakes home on the Gold Coast.

Yingying Xu was charged following the tragic discovery made on Tuesday evening. Emergency services were called to Central Place, where Sophie was found unresponsive with several visible wounds, including a cut to her neck. Despite the efforts of her father and paramedics, she was pronounced dead at the scene.

Ms. Xu was later arrested on a nearby street and did not appear when her case was mentioned at the Southport Magistrates Court this morning.

Detective Acting Inspector Kent Ellis, who described the scene as “confronting,” confirmed that police were called to the residence after a report from Sophie’s father.

Sophie was a beloved grade 5 student at Emmanuel College, which has been deeply affected by her death. The school released a statement expressing their devastation and offering support to the community.

“Our prayers are with the family, friends, first responders, and all affected by the loss of this beloved child in her home,” the school said. “We have mobilised our counselling and pastoral care teams to support students, staff, and parents during this difficult time.”