PHOTO: Yanfei Bao. FILE
High Court Reveals Key Digital Evidence in the Trial of Tingjun Cao for Murder of Yanfei Bao
The trial of Tingjun Cao, who is accused of murdering real estate agent Yanfei Bao in July 2023, has entered a crucial phase with the presentation of digital evidence. The High Court in Christchurch has heard from Joshua Locke, a digital forensic analyst for New Zealand Police, who detailed the significant findings on the phones of both the accused and the victim.
Tingjun Cao, aged 53, has denied the charge of murder. However, digital evidence presented in court suggests a disturbing connection between him and the missing person case involving Bao. Among the key revelations was a graphic image found on Cao’s phone, showing the lower half of a person’s body. Although the original photo or video was deleted, Locke explained that thumbnail versions of the image were still accessible, offering key insights into the timeline of events.
The image was taken on July 19, 2023, at 4:34 PM, the same day that Yanfei Bao was reported missing. Prosecutor Cameron Stuart referred to the image in his opening address, suggesting that it might indicate a sexual element to the crime. This potential link between the image and the crime further deepens the mystery surrounding Bao’s disappearance and death.
In addition to the image, Locke testified that a number of messages sent and received via the popular WeChat messaging app had been deleted from Cao’s phone. A total of 178 messages were found to be missing, 96 of which were established to have been exchanged with Bao. The deleted messages and the existence of the graphic image on Cao’s phone have raised serious questions regarding the events leading up to Bao’s death.
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Locke also provided important details about the state of Bao’s phone. The jury had earlier learned that Bao’s phone was discovered broken in half on the side of a motorway in Christchurch. Locke’s forensic analysis team managed to repair the phone, recovering valuable data which was passed on to the police investigation team.
As the trial continues, the digital evidence plays a pivotal role in shaping the direction of the case. Cao, who initially had legal representation, is now defending himself in court. His lawyers, Colin Eason and Joshua Macleod, remain as standby counsel to assist him if necessary. Despite his decision to represent himself, Cao has had multiple outbursts in the courtroom, including waiving his right to sit during proceedings.
In cross-examination, Cao challenged the digital forensic analyst about the integrity of the evidence, questioning whether Locke had altered or added any of the photos or messages on the phones. Locke denied this, reaffirming that all findings in his report were strictly derived from the examination of the devices.
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Cao also raised the possibility that the graphic photograph could have been transferred from another phone, but Locke clarified that there was no evidence to support this claim. The ongoing trial continues to unfold with digital forensic analysis forming a crucial part of the prosecution’s case against Cao.
The case against Tingjun Cao is developing into a high-profile and complex legal battle. As more evidence is presented, the public and media await the verdict of this shocking crime that has captivated New Zealand. The court’s decision on the handling of digital evidence will undoubtedly play a significant role in determining the outcome of this trial.
SOURCE: 1NEWS