New Zealand religious sect leader jailed over death of elderly follower
A New Zealand court has sentenced a religious sect leader and his wife to prison for the manslaughter and kidnapping of an elderly follower. The victim, who had traveled from China, died after attempting to escape the group's strict control.
Why it matters
The case highlights the dangers of coercive control within fringe religious groups and the legal consequences of human rights abuses.
Share Save Add as preferred on Google Tessa Wong New Zealand Police New Zealand police released a picture of Shulai Wang A New Zealand court has jailed a religious sect leader over the death of an elderly follower who had travelled from China to live with his family.
Kaixiao Liu was found guilty of manslaughter and kidnapping, and sentenced to more than 10 years in prison.
The body of 70-year-old Shulai Wang had been found wrapped in rice bags near Auckland's Gulf Harbour in March 2024, sparking a major homicide investigation which eventually led to Liu.
Liu, a musician who previously appeared in a talent show in China, had denied the charges. He also denied he is a cult leader and said he only attracted followers through his music.
During the trial the court heard that Wang had travelled from Hainan island in China to New Zealand in August 2023.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in