A religious sect leader in New Zealand has been sentenced to over 10 years in prison for the manslaughter and kidnapping of an elderly follower from China. Kaixiao Liu was found guilty in 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 traveled from Hainan island, China, in August 2023 to live with Liu and his family in a property Liu called "the Ark," along with several other female followers. Prosecutors stated that these women lived in "servitude" to Liu and his family, with their lives tightly controlled and referring to Liu as "Lord" or "Master."
According to court testimony, Wang spent her days caring for Liu's children, studying scripture, and gardening. Her age reportedly made it difficult for her to comply with the group's strict rules, leading to frequent discipline.
In March 2024, Wang attempted to escape but was apprehended and restrained. She died later that day. The court heard that Liu, his family, and followers then disposed of Wang's body near a marina, with Liu reportedly bringing his children along as "camouflage."
A fisherman found Wang's body days later. Police investigations led to Liu, who had made unusually large purchases of the specific brand of rice used to wrap the body.
Liu, a musician who previously appeared on a Chinese talent show, denied the charges and claimed he was not a cult leader, stating his followers were drawn only by his music. His lawyer argued for leniency, citing remorse and denying the cult leader label.
In addition to Liu's sentence, his wife, Lanyue Xiao, received nearly eight years for kidnapping, manslaughter, and other charges. Liu's parents, Xiuyun Li and Jingui Liu, were previously convicted of kidnapping and misconduct involving human remains and await sentencing.