Emerald Lakes, Carrara: Yingying Xu’s mother allegedly murdered 10-year-old daughter

A little girl believed to have been murdered by her mother was found by her father with her throat slit in what a detective calls one of the most harrowing scenes of his career.

Emmanuel College Year 5 student Sophie Wang could not be saved by emergency services after they rushed to her home in Emerald Lakes, Carrara, on the Gold Coast, just after 6pm on Tuesday.

Her father had found the 10-year-old and called 911.

Sophie’s 46-year-old mother, Yingying Xu, was arrested arrested just before 10:30 p.m. and charged with murder.

“This is a tragic and painful incident and our thoughts are with the family and community at this time,” Queensland Police Acting Inspector Kent Ellis told reporters on Wednesday.

‘In the 15 years I’ve been working as a detective, this is one of the most confronting scenes I’ve ever seen.

‘Despite the great efforts of her father and the emergency services, the 10-year-old girl was pronounced dead by the ambulance personnel present.

‘An investigation was immediately launched and as a result the child’s mother was charged with murder.’

The schoolgirl has since been identified as Sophie Wang, a fifth-year student at Emmanuel College

Mr Ellis revealed that the mother was found on a nearby street and was not arrested until 10.25pm, more than four hours after the victim’s father reported the incident.

Mr Ellis declined to comment on whether Ms Xu had a history of mental health problems.

Emmanuel College Principal Dan Brown wrote a letter to the school community on Wednesday morning to express his condolences.

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 were seen on the scene on Wednesday

“It is with a heavy heart that I must inform you of a tragic incident that occurred last night at a home in Emerald Lakes, resulting in the death of one of our beloved students,” the letter reads.

“We are shocked by this incident and know it will have a significant impact on our school community.

“Our prayers are with the child’s family and friends and we extend our deepest condolences to all affected by this tragedy.”

Students are offered guidance and bereavement counseling.

“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,” Mr Brown said.

“Please be assured that we are here for everyone in our community – students, staff and parents – and that these support services are available to anyone who needs them.

‘Words cannot ease the shock and pain of this tragic loss, but please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you all.’

The college said in a statement: “Our priority is supporting our community during this difficult time.

‘We have mobilized our guidance and pastoral care teams to provide extensive support to students, staff and parents as our community processes this disturbing news.

Queensland Police Inspector Lou Serafim said officers had attended a “pretty traumatic” scene

Emergency services were on site, but the little girl could not be saved.

The girl’s father is said to have found her at their home in Emerald Lakes, Carrara, around 6 p.m. on Tuesday evening.

“We ask for understanding and respect for the privacy of our families and students during this time.”

Emmanuel College, where tuition for students in Years 10 through 12 can run as high as $13,000, counts recent Olympic gold medalist Cameron McEvoy among its alumni.

The school has a notable sports program: the head of athletic performance, David Reid, recently attended the Paris Games as Australia’s relay coach.

According to Inspector Serafim, police officers and paramedics found themselves in a ‘quite traumatic’ scene.

“These officers and the emergency responders are receiving internal guidance in connection with the incident to which they were exposed,” she said.

On Tuesday evening, several ambulances were in front of the house, while police cordoned off the street.

Forensic personnel were seen entering the home and a gazebo was placed in front of the door.

The 46-year-old woman is due to appear in Southport District Court on Wednesday morning.