PHOTO: Tingjun Cao. FILE
The trial of Tingjun Cao, the man accused of murdering Christchurch real estate agent Yanfei Bao, has revealed shocking new details. In a police interview played at the High Court, Cao stated he was job-hunting on the day Bao disappeared and had planned to leave New Zealand due to employment struggles.
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Cao, a 53-year-old Chinese national, faces charges related to Bao’s disappearance on July 19 last year. Detectives located him at Christchurch Airport three days later, and his six-hour interview revealed claims of stress, unemployment, and an unexpected plan to return to Shanghai.
During the recorded session, Cao described driving around Christchurch searching for construction work after losing his job a month prior. He admitted feeling overwhelmed by his situation and decided to return home. When asked about Bao, Cao said he didn’t know her personally but remarked, “the woman’s image looks beautiful.” He also mentioned having poor eyesight.
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SOURCE: RNZ