Yanfei Bao murder trial

The story so far

A man accused of murdering a Christchurch real estate agent who disappeared in July 2023 is on trial in the High Court.^{1, 6 Nov 2024} The trial was adjourned in late October 2024 because of the defendant's poor physical health.^{1 Nov 2024} In early November he dismissed his lawyers and chose to conduct his own defence, with his former team as standby counsel, and he has denied the charge.^{6 Nov 2024} The Crown told the court that digital content on his phone included nearly 100 deleted messages and a sensitive photograph of the victim.^{8 Nov 2024} The Crown also said he bought a one-way ticket to China shortly after the disappearance, and police gave evidence of a vehicle check showing reported fresh scratches and blood on his hands.^{19 Nov 2024}

Key moments

1. 1 Nov 2024Trial adjourned because of the accused's poor physical health.
2. 6 Nov 2024Accused dismisses his lawyers and will represent himself.
3. 8 Nov 2024Court hears of nearly 100 deleted messages and a sensitive photo.
4. 19 Nov 2024Crown says accused bought one-way ticket to China after disappearance.
5. 19 Nov 2024Police evidence of vehicle check showing reported scratches and blood on hands.

Written from the stories below; each sentence links to its sources.