Extradited suitcase-murder suspect faces court

A fourth man charged with kidnapping and killing Chinese student Wan Biao, whose body was found floating on Waitemata Harbour in a suitcase at Easter, will join his three co-accused in a depositions hearing in September.

Xian Gxian Cui, 21, a former Waikato University student, was extradited from Sydney this month and made a brief appearance in the Auckland District Court today.

He was remanded in custody to appear with his co-accused Li Xheng, 21, Xianda Yin, 21, Yuxi Wang, 20, at a hearing on September 4.

Mr Biao, a 19-year-old English language student, was allegedly killed in a hotel room before his body was stuffed in a suitcase and dumped in the harbour on Good Friday.

Hours earlier a $800,000 ransom demand was made to Mr Biao's parents in China but no money was exchanged.

The four Chinese nationals are charged with kidnap, murder or being an accessory after the fact.

- NZPA