The man charged with murdering Christchurch mother Yanfei Bao has been found guilty.
The jury returned the verdict after just over an hour-and-a-half of deliberation.
Tingjun Cao remained straight faced as the verdict was handed down.
Nearly 80 witnesses were called during the six-and-a-half week trial, including Bao’s partner Paul Gooch.
The Crown case was that Cao attacked the real estate agent at a house she was showing him in Hornby in July last year.
Tingjun Cao, 53, was found guilty on Thursday afternoon of murdering the 44-year-old Christchurch real estate agent. (Source: 1News)
In closing the case Crown Prosecutor Pip Currie said “this case is an absolute slam dunk”.
“Evidence is both compelling and overwhelming and it points in only one direction. Mr Cao was the person responsible for the murder of Yanfei Bao,” she said.
ESR scientists gave evidence about blood found at the house and drag marks on the carpet.
“The DNA evidence alone could convict him, you have his blood and her blood in the back bedroom at Trevor St,” said Currie.
CCTV was also played in court from the day Bao disappeared — July 19 last year — up until Cao was arrested, showing his movements across the city.
Footage showed him arriving at the Hornby property, leaving, and later in the day making a purchase at a hardware store in New Brighton.
“He clearly indicated he wanted to dig a hole by … his digging motion … that told me he was after a spade,” said store owner Dennis Shrimpton.
Phone data was a key piece of evidence for the case. It proved Cao’s phone and Bao’s phone travelled together on the day she disappeared.
“I believe that the defendant had the iPhone 14 in his position from approximately 12.31 until 6.26pm on 19 July 2023,” said Detective Constable Amy Campbell-Hayward.
Officers told the court about the day in July this year when Bao’s shallow grave, on farmland on the outskirts of Chirstchurch, was discovered.
It took police more than year to find it.
“We removed the 15-25cm of pine needles from the bones. What was uncovered appeared to be human remains,” said Senior Constable Andrew Lillie.
In the third week of the trial Cao sacked his lawyers, and exercised his right to represent himself in court.
During cross examination he accused witness after witness of lying in their evidence.
He also suggested police had planted evidence at the burial site and at one stage made the claim police had moved the burial spot altogether.
“Mr Cao has spent weeks engaging witnesses in irrelevant cross examination. I’m going to suggest to you that he has taken the opportunity to bathe in the spotlight and make grandstanding gestures,” the Crown Prosecutor said.
All witnesses denied they were lying.
And after six-and-a-half weeks of evidence the jury decided, in the end, he was the one lying.
Bao’s partner ‘relieved’ at verdict
Speaking to media outside court, Gooch said he was “relieved” and felt a “profound sense of gratitude” following the verdict.
“Not only on behalf of my family but also in honour of Yanfei’s family back in China,” he said.
“The unimaginable circumstances surrounding Yanfei’s death have been a heavy burden for us to bear.
“Coming to terms with this devastating loss has been an incredibly challenging journey, especially considering the complete lack of remorse displayed by the individual responsible.”
He said Cao’s actions through the trial had highlighted a “profound absence of humanity”.
Gooch thanked the jury for its patience and “thorough deliberation during what has undoubtedly been a taxing experience for them as well”.
“Your efforts have provided us with a small measure of comfort in knowing that justice has been served.”
Gooch also thanked the prosecution team and police for bringing his partner home, his church, workplace, and his stepdaughter’s school. He also thanked the residents of Canterbury and the New Zealand public.
“Thank you for your thoughts, prayers, and condolences. Your kindness has been a source of strength for us.
“From the bottom of our hearts, thank you to everyone who has stood by us and helped us navigate through this unimaginable journey.”
Police acknowledge guilty verdict
Police this afternoon acknowledged the guilty verdict handed down to Cao.
“This was no ordinary case, and it will leave a lasting impact on all staff involved, including myself,” Inspector Nicola Reeves said in a statement.
“We would like to acknowledge the strength of Yanfei Bao’s family who have endured a terribly distressing experience.”
Reeves acknowledged all involved who presented evidence and information during the trial.
“I would like to acknowledge all involved for their diligent work, including investigators, court interpreters, and the Crown prosecutors.
“I would also like to thank the jury, who have heard Yanfei’s case over the last six-and-a-half weeks and without whom this case could not be heard,” Reeves said.
“I would also like to thank the members of our community who provided valuable information to assist us with this case from the very start of our investigation.
“Our thoughts are with Yanfei’s family and while the verdict has been reached, this is just one part of the healing process,” Reeves continued.
“I acknowledge the strength they have shown and, while the outcome does not bring Yanfei back, I hope they take some comfort knowing that the person responsible will be held accountable.”
Cao will be sentenced on March 7 next year.