Police have today acknowledged the sentence handed down to Tingjun Cao in the Christchurch High Court, as he was sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of Yanfei Bao.
Bao, a real estate agent and mother, went missing on July 19, 2023, while showing a property in Wigram, Christchurch.
She was last seen alive that morning, and her disappearance prompted a significant police investigation.
Cao, who had been living in New Zealand for only a short time, became a person of interest early in the investigation.
Police arrested him at Christchurch International Airport just hours before he was due to board a flight to China. Despite his arrest, Bao’s body remained missing for over a year.
A dedicated investigation team, supported by forensic specialist partners, worked tirelessly since July 2023 to tell Bao’s story and seek a resolution for her and her loved ones.
Detective Inspector Nicola Reeves said, “I speak on behalf of all the staff involved when I say this case will stay with us forever. Once again, I would like to acknowledge Yanfei’s family, both here in New Zealand and in China, who have showed nothing but strength, grace and courage over the last two years.”
“We would also like to thank all the members of our community who have provided valuable information since day one of our investigation,” Reeves said.
“Your support, your observations, and your willingness to assist the investigation and prosecution, directly contributed to this successful result.
“Yanfei was like so many of us, a much loved and admired woman, who was working hard to provide a better life for herself and her family. She had a fundamental right to be safe in her place of work and return home at the end of the day.
“Violent men who harm women will not be tolerated in our community and New Zealand Police will hold offenders to account. Violent men should feel under threat, not women and girls going about their lives,” Reeves said.
“While there is no outcome that can bring Yanfei back to her family, we hope that today’s sentencing can bring them some closure, as they continue to adjust to life without her.
“This is just one part of the healing process and I hope her family can take some comfort knowing the person responsible has been held to account for his actions,” Reeves said.
Cao has ben sentenced to a life imprisonment with 17 and a half years non-parole.
