NZ religious sect leader jailed over death of elderly follower
The body of 70-year-old Shulai Wang was found near a marina in Auckland in 2024.
A New Zealand court has handed down a prison sentence to the leader of a religious sect in connection with the death of an elderly follower who had traveled from China to reside with his family.
Kaixiao Liu received a sentence of over 10 years in prison after being found guilty of manslaughter and kidnapping.
The remains of 70-year-old Shulai Wang were discovered in March 2024, wrapped in rice bags near Auckland's Gulf Harbour. This discovery initiated a significant homicide investigation that ultimately led to Liu.
Liu, a musician who had previously appeared on a talent show in China, had denied the charges. He also refuted claims of being a cult leader, stating that he only attracted followers through his music.
During the trial, the court learned that Wang had journeyed from Hainan island in China to New Zealand in August 2023. She subsequently moved into "the Ark," the home Liu shared with his family and several other female followers.
Prosecutors asserted that the women lived in "servitude" to Liu and his family, with their lives tightly controlled by Liu, whom they referred to as "Lord" or "Master."
Wang reportedly spent her days caring for Liu's children, studying scripture, and cultivating vegetables. The court heard that Wang struggled to adhere to the strict rules, possibly due to her advanced age, and was frequently disciplined.
In March 2024, Wang attempted to escape but was apprehended and restrained. She died later that day, according to court testimony.
The court was informed that Liu, his family, and his followers disposed of Wang's body near a marina at Gulf Harbour. Liu had brought his children along for the trip as "camouflage."
A fisherman discovered the body days later. Police eventually traced the rice bags used to wrap Wang's body to Liu, who had made unusually large purchases of that specific brand of rice.
In addition to Liu, his wife, Lanyue Xiao, was sentenced to nearly eight years in jail for kidnapping and manslaughter, among other charges. His mother, Xiuyun Li, and father, Jingui Liu, had previously been convicted of kidnapping and misconduct concerning human remains and are scheduled for sentencing later this year.
During Tuesday's sentencing, Liu's lawyer requested leniency, arguing that his client felt remorse and "is not a cult leader, nor requires people to follow his cult," as reported by Radio New Zealand.
New Zealand media outlets reported that Liu had attended a military-based university in China. In 2011, he was a contestant on China's Got Talent, with online clips showing him singing onstage blindfolded.
Around 2017, he relocated to New Zealand with Xiao, and the couple became permanent residents. Liu garnered followers on Chinese social media, where he posted religious discussions, video diaries, and clips of himself singing. He also established a project called Universal Choir, which produced cosmic-themed orchestral music.
During the trial, a police officer who interviewed one of Liu's female followers provided testimony. He stated in court that the woman told him she "met the people over the internet through a song website, and she referred to the occupants of the house as friends."
During the sentencing, Justice Mathew Downs stated that Liu had shown "callous indifference" towards Wang. "Because of you, Ms Wang died a lonely, frightening death. You display no remorse whatsoever. You should feel shame."