PHOTO: Detective Inspector Nicola Reeves. RNZ
Christchurch Real Estate Agent Yanfei Bao Vanishes, Suspected Homicide
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A Disturbing Disappearance
A Christchurch real estate agent, Yanfei Bao, who disappeared without a trace last week, is now suspected to have been killed after visiting a home she intended to show to a potential buyer.
Homicide Probe Launched
Yesterday, the police initiated a homicide probe to investigate the unsettling case of Yanfei Bao’s disappearance.
“I do not believe she is alive,” says Detective Inspector Nicola Reeves
Leading the Operation Helo investigation, Detective Inspector Nicola Reeves expressed her belief that the 44-year-old mother-of-one is no longer alive. Reeves was visibly upset when questioned about the family’s reaction to this distressing development, stating, “It’s the news they did not want to hear.”
Arrest and Charges
The distraught husband, Paul Gooch, described the situation as a “surreal nightmare” just hours before a 52-year-old man was charged with kidnapping Bao earlier this week. The suspect was arrested at Christchurch International Airport after attempting to flee the country on a one-way flight.
The Investigation Unfolds
Police have been tight-lipped about the details provided by the arrested man. However, Detective Inspector Reeves confirmed that further charges are being considered. Bao was last seen in the Hornby area of the city around 12:30 pm on Wednesday, July 19.
Her car was captured on CCTV footage in Hornby’s Trevor St, where police forensic scene experts have been examining a house that is currently being sold by Bao’s employers, Harcourts. Detective Inspector Reeves expressed significant concern surrounding this address but refrained from divulging further details.
Police seized a silver Mitsubishi as part of their inquiry, and Bao’s cellphone was found on the side of the Southern Motorway on Friday.
Intensive Search Efforts
The Police National Dive Squad and search experts have been scouring areas near Lake Ellesmere, such as the Halswell River, where previous searches for another missing person were centered in 2017. Additional searches have been conducted across the city at Lake Terrace Rd in Burwood and near the New Brighton Rd and Palmers Rd intersection.
Detective Inspector Reeves reaffirmed the commitment of significant police resources to find Bao and reunite her with her family. The public’s response has been crucial in providing over 170 pieces of information, leading investigators to various search locations.
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Call for Assistance
Reeves urged the public to provide further help, especially in reporting sightings of Bao’s silver Nissan Dualis. The vehicle was found parked in Iroquois Pl in Wigram and had previously been seen at the Trevor St property that is currently up for sale.
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The Family’s Perspective
Concerns were first raised when Bao failed to pick up her 9-year-old daughter from after-school care, prompting her husband, Paul Gooch, to notify the police. Gooch remains hopeful for a positive outcome, expressing gratitude for the support they have received from the public, mutual friends, and family during this harrowing ordeal.
Bao’s friends recall her passion for sales and her love for family. On her Harcourts website profile, Bao is described as a highly educated and hardworking salesperson with extensive experience in sales, previously excelling as a top-selling salesperson for a major electronics brand.
“If you are looking for a highly educated, passionate and hard-working salesperson to assist you in buying or selling your most important asset, give Yanfei a call, as she would love to hear from you.”
In a heartfelt post on social media, one of Bao’s friends, Jin Tian, recounted their last interaction on Wednesday before her disappearance.
“She mentioned [something] about a potential client who wants to transfer money to NZ and checked about the rate and channel,” Tian said. “Then she said she was going to call the person to see [what] he/she wanted and would call me back. And she did not.”
Anyone who has seen Yanfei Bao or possesses any information about her whereabouts is urged to call 111 immediately and quote event number P055385539.
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