A New Zealand court has sentenced former musician Kaixiao Liu to more than ten years in prison after he was found guilty of manslaughter and kidnapping in the death of 70‑year‑old Chinese immigrant Shulai Wang.
Wang had travelled from Hainan Island in August 2023 to live with Liu and his family at their Auckland home, which they dubbed “the Ark.” Prosecutors said her life was tightly controlled; she worked for the family, studied scripture, and tended vegetables. Liu’s followers, who called him “Lord” or “Master,” treated them as servants and imposed strict rules.
After several days of struggling with the rules, Wang allegedly tried to escape and was recaptured. She died the same day, and her body wrapped in rice bags was later discovered by a fisherman near Gulf Harbour. The case was traced back to Liu when police linked the large quantity of rice purchases to him.
Liu’s wife, Lanyue Xiao, received a sentence of nearly eight years for kidnapping and manslaughter. His parents, Xiuyun Li and Jingui Liu, have previously been convicted of kidnapping and misconduct involving human remains and will be sentenced later this year.
During sentencing, the judge emphasized Liu’s “callous indifference” toward Wang’s death, stating that he had shown no remorse. Liu’s lawyer argued for leniency, claiming his client “is not a cult leader and does not require people to follow his cult.”
The case serves as a stark reminder that unchecked power dynamics, whether in religious or social contexts, can culminate in tragic violence. It underscores the need for vigilant community oversight and robust legal safeguards to protect vulnerable migrants and elders.
