Yanfei Bao, a 44-year-old mother of one and real estate professional, was tragically murdered on July 19, 2023. Her killer, Tingjun Cao, was sentenced to life in prison with a minimum non-parole period of 17.5 years. The court found Cao guilty of a series of heinous acts, including sexual assault, stabbing Yanfei to death, and concealing her body in the boot of his car before attempting to flee New Zealand. ### Background of the Case Yanfei's life was cut short during what began as a routine property meeting. On July 19, 2023, she was contacted by Cao, who had only briefly met her once before. Cao claimed to be representing a friend in China who wanted to purchase property. After arranging a meeting at a property on Trevor St, Hornby, both parties arrived at the location. CCTV footage confirmed their arrival, but Yanfei was never seen leaving the property. She was reported missing later that day when she failed to pick up her young daughter from school. Her cellphone and car were discovered, but there was no trace of her. Police identified Cao as a suspect after a member of the public reported him behaving oddly near where Yanfei's phone was found. Cao was arrested at Christchurch Airport after attempting to flee the country with a one-way ticket to China. ### The Trial and Conviction Cao was initially charged with kidnapping but was later charged with murder after sufficient evidence was gathered. During the trial, Cao chose to represent himself and launched an unusual self-defense, claiming that the evidence against him was fabricated and that a man named "Mr. Tang" was responsible for the crime. However, the Crown presented a compelling case supported by forensic evidence, GPS data from Yanfei's phone, and CCTV footage that corroborated the prosecution's narrative. The trial took place before Justice Alison Preston and a jury. In a swift 97-minute deliberation, the jury unanimously found Cao guilty of murder. The judge, in her sentencing remarks, emphasized the callous nature of Cao's actions, stating that he showed "a breathtaking lack of humanity and respect for this woman." ### The Sentence Justice Preston delivered a stern sentence, noting that no punishment could alleviate the pain experienced by Yanfei's family. She stated that Cao's actions were "particularly callous" and that he exhibited "no regard for your victim." The judge also highlighted that Cao's story was "far-fetched and, frankly, ludicrous," and that he had "tried to evade responsibility for his offending and offered up a litany of lies to cover his tracks." Cao was sentenced to life in prison with a minimum non-parole period of 17.5 years. The judge concluded that there were no mitigating circumstances and that Cao remained without remorse. ### Impact on the Community Detective Inspector Nicola Reeves, who led the investigation into Yanfei's disappearance and murder, expressed the deep impact this case has had on everyone involved. She stated that the investigation team "worked tirelessly to tell Yanfei's story and seek a resolution for her and her loved ones." Reeves emphasized that Yanfei, like many others, had a fundamental right to be safe in her workplace and return home at the end of the day. The New Zealand Police reiterated their commitment to holding violent offenders accountable and ensuring that violent men feel under threat, not women and girls going about their lives. Reeves acknowledged the strength, grace, and courage shown by Yanfei's family in New Zealand and in China over the past two years. ### Conclusion The tragic death of Yanfei Bao has left a profound impact on her family, the community, and the investigative team that worked tirelessly to bring her killer to justice. The case serves as a grim reminder of the importance of safeguarding women and ensuring that violent offenders face the full weight of the law. While the sentence cannot bring back Yanfei, it is hoped that it provides some measure of closure to her loved ones as they continue to adjust to life without her.