PHOTO: Detective Inspector Nicola Reeves. RNZ
A significant technological breakthrough is believed to have led police to the suspected remains of alleged murder victim Yanfei Bao, more than a year after she went missing.
Last Tuesday morning, a large team of police descended on a rural property in Greenpark, approximately 45 minutes south of Christchurch. By midday, they announced the discovery of human remains in a “shallow grave” about 150mm deep along a treeline at the property. It took searchers roughly 90 minutes to find them.
Police were able to triangulate data from a cellphone, which gave them a specific area to search at the rural property where Yanfei Bao’s remains were found. Photo: RNZ / Nate McKinnon
Detective Inspector Nicola Reeves informed the media that police had received new information about six to eight weeks prior. While she did not elaborate on the specifics, she mentioned that the information provided a clear direction for their search.
Sources suggest that the breakthrough involved multiple data points, including photos, cellphone data polling, location services, and Radio Access Network (RAN) data from a cellphone. This triangulated data guided the police to the specific area on the rural property.
House associated with the alleged murder of Yanfei Bao has been sold
On Friday, Reeves confirmed that the remains were indeed those of Bao. “This news brings to a close a key aspect of our investigation, and Yanfei will now be returned to her family,” she said. The police have not disclosed further details of the post-mortem.
Reeves mentioned there was “no obvious disturbance” where the remains were found, likely because it had been covered up. She acknowledged the frustration of not having found Bao earlier, despite previous searches of the property, but understood the process required to obtain the new information.
The police had to undertake significant preparation after receiving the information, involving 60 people in the search effort to ensure a thorough and methodical approach. Reeves expressed pride in the police team’s hard work over the past year, stating that while the discovery was a shock, it was also a relief to provide Bao’s family with answers.
Bao’s family in New Zealand and China were informed of the search and subsequent discovery. They were described as being in shock and upset, with Reeves noting that finding Bao brought a “level of comfort” to everyone involved in the investigation.
Craig Eggleston, the owner of the Greenpark property, felt “emotional” upon learning of the discovery. He expressed relief and sadness, hoping it would bring closure to Bao’s family.
Photo: Supplied
Harcourts Gold Chief Operations Manager Jason Wills extended condolences to Bao’s family on behalf of the Harcourts community. Bao, a Chinese national, vanished on July 19, 2023, last seen in the suburb of Hornby. She was due to meet a prospective client that morning and was last heard from via a WeChat call.
Police later charged 53-year-old Tingjun Cao with her kidnapping and subsequent murder. The kidnapping charge has since been dropped, and Cao is due to stand trial in October. On the first anniversary of Bao’s disappearance, Reeves reaffirmed the police’s commitment to finding her body, a case that remained on her mind daily.
Bao’s husband, Paul Gooch, described the past year as “incredibly challenging” for the family. He praised their daughter Momo’s resilience, saying her ability to find reasons to smile amidst adversity was inspiring. Bao’s family in China expressed immense grief and helplessness, hoping for peace for Yanfei’s soul.
SOURCE: RNZ