Hundreds of people from the Gold Coast community are expected to pay tribute to 10-year-old Sophie Wang at a candlelight vigil on Friday afternoon.
Sophie Wang was found dead by her father at her Emerald Lakes home in the suburb of Carrara on Tuesday. Sophie’s mother, Yingying Xu, 46, was arrested hours later in a nearby street and has been charged with her daughter’s murder.
Police have described it as an “incredibly confronting” scene for first responders.
The local community has been shocked by tragedy, with hundreds of people expected to gather to remember and pay their respects to Sophie at a vigil on Friday afternoon at 4pm at Emerald Lakes’ The Boulevard. It is being organised by the Red Rose Foundation.
Sophie’s father, Dr Yun Wang is an Associate Professor at Griffith University.
Sophie was a Year 5 student at a nearby school, Emmanuel College. On Wednesday morning, principal Dan Brown issued a letter to the school community, informing them of the tragedy.
“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 to the school community reads.
“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.”
Brown said support services would be available to anyone who needs support in the school community.
“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,” Brown said.
“While words cannot ease the shock and pain of such a tragic loss, please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you all.”
Police are continuing to investigate and are looking into a number of social media videos posted by the accused before the alleged murder.
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