PHOTO: Tingjun Cao, 53, lured Bao to a Hornby property under false pretences before murdering her. FILE
A Chinese national who murdered Christchurch real estate agent Yanfei Bao has been sentenced to life in prison with a minimum non-parole period of 17.5 years.
Tingjun Cao, 53, who lured Bao to a Hornby property under false pretences before murdering her, was forcibly removed from the courtroom multiple times during sentencing, continuing his string of erratic and disruptive behaviour that began during his seven-week trial.
🏛️ Justice Served — But Family Still Shattered
In the High Court at Christchurch on Friday, Justice Lisa Preston handed down the life sentence, describing the crime as cruel, premeditated, and devoid of remorse.
Bao, a 44-year-old real estate agent, wife, and mother, vanished in July 2023. Her remains were discovered nearly a year later in a shallow grave on a rural Greenpark property.
Her family, devastated by the loss, delivered heartbreaking victim impact statements:
“You took my mummy away from me and my life has not been the same since,” said Bao’s 11-year-old daughter.
“I miss her voice, her smell, and the way she always knew how to make things better.”
Her husband, Paul Gooch, spoke of a grief that will never lift.
“We are left with the unbearable absence of her presence. Her radiant light has been forever extinguished.”
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⚖️ A Killer’s Disrespect: Outbursts, Delusions, Denial
Cao’s sentencing was marred by courtroom drama. As in the trial, he erupted in angry protests, shouted over the judge, ripped and threw documents, and accused police of conspiracies and fabricating evidence. Justice Preston had him removed and forced to watch proceedings from a separate room.
This behaviour was consistent with his erratic trial, where he fired his legal team, interrogated witnesses with bizarre questions, and rambled through irrelevant theories about his innocence.
The Crown described the evidence against Cao as “overwhelming and absolute,” and the jury agreed.
House associated with the alleged murder of Yanfei Bao has been sold
🕵️ What Really Happened to Yanfei Bao?
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July 19, 2023: Cao lured Bao to a home in Hornby pretending to be a prospective buyer.
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Attack & Abduction: He assaulted her, forced her into the boot of his car, and drove her to Greenpark.
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Murder & Burial: Bao was murdered and buried along a tree line on a remote rural property.
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Aftermath: Her husband reported her missing the same day. Police later found her phone on the side of the motorway.
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Capture: Cao was arrested days later en route to Christchurch Airport with a one-way ticket to Shanghai.
💔 Families Speak — “Despicable Monster” Condemned
Bao’s father, speaking from China, condemned the killer as remorseless and cruel:
“What right did the defendant have to destroy our happiness and take my daughter’s life?”
He urged the court to impose the harshest possible penalty, citing the deep societal impact of the crime.
Paul Gooch’s father called Cao a “despicable monster”, while Detective Inspector Nicola Reeves described the case as one that would haunt the police team forever.
“Yanfei was a much-loved and admired woman. She deserved to be safe at work and return home to her family. Her murder is unforgivable.”
https://www.propertynoise.co.nz/real-estate-agents-express-safety-concerns-avoiding-solo-outings-recommended-in-wake-of-bao-homicide/
🚨 Immigration NZ Weighs Deportation
Cao, who is not a New Zealand citizen, now faces potential deportation following the completion of his sentence. Immigration NZ stated it will “consider appropriate enforcement actions” once legal proceedings are fully concluded.
🔒 Timeline: When Will Cao Walk Free?
Cao will not be eligible for parole until 2041, by which time he will be over 70 years old. Until then, he will remain behind bars, serving time for a crime that shattered lives and stunned a nation.
🧩 Key Takeaways
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Victim: Yanfei Bao, 44, real estate agent, mother, wife.
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Killer: Tingjun Cao, 53, sentenced to life, 17.5 years minimum non-parole.
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Crime: Murder following luring, assault, abduction, and burial in rural Canterbury.
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Trial: Marked by erratic behaviour, conspiracy theories, and courtroom removals.
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Aftermath: Grieving family, possible deportation, and a community left reeling.
📌 Justice may have been delivered, but for the Bao family, the pain of her absence will last a lifetime.
SOURCE: RNZ