Key Takeaways
- Nai Yin Xue, a man who strangled his wife and abandoned their daughter, has been denied parole for the seventh time.
- Xue was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum non-parole period of 12 years for killing his wife, An An Liu, in 2007.
- The Parole Board raised concerns about Xue’s truthfulness and lack of explanation for the killing, and declined his parole due to the need for a detailed release plan.
- Xue will next appear before the Parole Board in September 2026.
Introduction to the Case
The case of Nai Yin Xue is a disturbing and tragic one. In 2007, Xue strangled his wife, An An Liu, in Auckland, and then abandoned their three-year-old daughter at a Melbourne train station before fleeing to the United States. The daughter, who became known as "Pumpkin" due to her Pumpkin Patch-branded clothing, was found alone at the train station, sparking an international manhunt for Xue. He was eventually arrested in the United States and deported to New Zealand in March 2008 to face murder charges.
The Trial and Sentencing
In 2009, the High Court in Auckland heard that Xue was violent and jealous, and believed his wife was involved with another man. This led to a brutal and senseless murder, with Xue leaving his wife’s body in the boot of their family car in Mt Roskill, Auckland. Xue was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum non-parole period of 12 years. The court’s decision reflected the seriousness of the crime and the need to protect the community from Xue’s violent behavior.
The Parole Hearing
At a recent Parole Board hearing, Xue appeared dressed in a grey T-shirt and flanked by prison and Corrections staff. Through a Mandarin interpreter, Xue told the panel that he had been working outside the wire as a painter and was involved in church activities. He claimed to have been doing "further soul searching" of the offences he committed and had learned to stay calm and control his temper. Xue also stated that he had a strong determination to never commit such a crime again and to become a law-abiding person.
Concerns About Truthfulness
However, the Parole Board raised concerns about Xue’s truthfulness and his lack of explanation for the killing. At his previous hearing in February, the board had noted that Xue’s account of the events leading up to the murder was inconsistent and lacked detail. This lack of transparency and accountability has been a recurring issue in Xue’s parole hearings, with the board seeking a more detailed and honest explanation of his actions.
Denial of Parole
The Parole Board ultimately declined Xue’s parole, citing the need for a detailed release plan, including suitable accommodation. Xue’s lawyer, Michael Kan, told the panel that his client had no support in New Zealand and would require assistance from Corrections to secure housing. The board’s decision was likely influenced by Xue’s lack of a support system and his failure to provide a convincing plan for his release. Xue will next appear before the Parole Board in September 2026, giving him another opportunity to demonstrate his suitability for parole.
Conclusion
The case of Nai Yin Xue is a tragic reminder of the devastating consequences of domestic violence and the importance of holding perpetrators accountable for their actions. The Parole Board’s decision to deny Xue’s parole reflects the need to prioritize public safety and to ensure that Xue is truly rehabilitated before being released back into the community. As Xue awaits his next parole hearing, it is essential that he continues to work on his personal growth and development, and provides a more detailed and honest account of his actions, in order to demonstrate his suitability for parole.