Kaixiao Liu, a musician and religious sect leader based in New Zealand, has been convicted and imprisoned for more than 10 years following the death of an elderly follower. Liu was found guilty of manslaughter and kidnapping in connection with the death of 70-year-old Shulai Wang, whose body was discovered wrapped in rice bags near Auckland’s Gulf Harbour in March 2024.
Wang had relocated from Hainan island in China to New Zealand in August 2023 to reside with Liu and his family at their residence, which Liu referred to as “the Ark”. The household included several other female followers who reportedly lived under strict control, referring to Liu as “Lord” or “Master”. Prosecutors characterized the women’s circumstances as servitude, with their daily activities heavily regulated and involving childcare, religious study, and household labor.
Court proceedings revealed that Wang struggled to adhere to the household’s rigid rules and was frequently disciplined. In March 2024, Wang attempted to flee but was apprehended and restrained, dying later that same day. Liu and his associates subsequently disposed of her body near a marina, with Liu bringing his children along as what authorities described as camouflage. The remains were discovered days later by a fisherman, and investigative work tracing rice bag purchases eventually connected Liu to the crime.
Liu’s wife, Lanyue Xiao, received a nearly eight-year sentence for kidnapping and manslaughter, while his parents faced separate charges of kidnapping and misconduct involving human remains with sentencing scheduled for later this year. During sentencing, Justice Mathew Downs noted Liu’s “callous indifference” toward Wang and stated he displayed no remorse. Liu’s defense had argued for leniency, contending he was not actually a cult leader and only attracted followers through his music career, which included a 2011 appearance on China’s Got Talent.
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