R v Liu & Xiao - [2026] NZHC 2529

Sentencing for Kaixiao Liu and Lanyue Xiao in respect of offending connected with the death of Shulai Wang.

Mr Liu given a starting point of 11 years' imprisonment for kidnapping/manslaughter charges and an 18 month uplift for the attempting to pervert justice and misconduct with human remains charges. Ms Xiao given a starting point of eight years, six months' imprisonment for the kidnapping/manslaughter charges and a 15 month uplift for the attempting to pervert justice and misconduct with human remains charges.

Defendants each given a five per cent discount for impact on children, five per cent discount for good character and 10 month reduction for time spent on EM bail.