In brief
Religious‑sect leader Kaixiao Liu was convicted of manslaughter and kidnapping in New Zealand after his 70‑year‑old follower Shulai Wang died in March 2024. The case revealed a tightly controlled household where followers were treated as servants and compelled to serve Liu, who called himself “Lord.” Liu’s wife and parents faced related convictions, while his lawyer pleaded for leniency. A courtroom judge condemned his callous conduct and lack of remorse.
A 10‑year sentence followed a harrowing investigation into the death of 70‑year‑old Shulai Wang, who died while living with a New Zealand family that had been described by the court as a cult.
Kaixiao Liu, a former talent‑show contestant from China, pleaded guilty to manslaughter and kidnapping. He and his wife, Lanyue Xiao, and parents, Xiuyun Li and Jingui Liu, are jailed and awaiting further sentencing for other offences relating to the disposal of Wang's body near Gulf Harbour.
Wang arrived from Hainan island in August 2023, moved into Liu's house – dubbed “the Ark” – and was tasked with childcare, scripture study, and vegetable gardening. The court heard she struggled under strict rules and was repeatedly disciplined.
In March 2024 she attempted to escape but was caught and restrained, dying that evening. The court found the family dumped her body in marina rice bags and that Liu used large purchases of a particular brand of rice to conceal the disposal. Police traced the bags to Liu after a fisherman discovered the remains.
During sentencing, Justice Mathew Downs castigated Liu for “callous indifference” and highlighted his lack of remorse. Liu’s lawyer argued he was not a cult leader and sought leniency, claiming no forced adherence to a cult.
Image Companion: The body of Shulai Wang was found by a fisherman near the Gulf Harbour marina.
