An autopsy has confirmed human remains found in a shallow grave on a farm in Christchurch are missing real estate agent Yanfei Bao.
The remains were found on Tuesday, and police were confident it was Bao.
The coroner formally identified the remains as Bao’s today.
Detective Inspector Nicola Reeves said: “This news brings to a close a key aspect of our investigation and Yanfei will now be returned to her family”.
Police had completed a scene examination at the property where Bao’s remains were found, Reeves said.
She would not give any further information about Bao’s post-mortem examination, citing an imminent trial for her alleged murderer.
Bao was last seen alive on July 19 last year when she arrived at a house for sale on Trevor St, Hornby, set to show a potential buyer through. Her disappearance was upgraded to a homicide investigation a week later.
Tingjun Cao, 53, of Bryndwr, has been charged with murdering Bao. He was also charged with kidnapping, but police later dropped this. Cao was due to stand trial in October.
Reeves said the remains were found in a shallow grave - about 15cm deep - along a line of trees on the rural property in Greenpark, near Lincoln, about a half-hour drive south of Christchurch.
A team of 60 police staff searched the property and, after 90 minutes, they found Bao’s makeshift grave.
They had visited the property before but returned on Tuesday after receiving fresh information.
After the discovery, Reeves thanked the “dedicated team” of staff working on the case.
“Bringing Yanfei home is what we set out to do, and we are confident that we have succeeded in that.
“This brings a range of emotions, but mainly relief that we can finish this chapter for Yanfei’s loved ones and give them a sense of peace.”
Bao’s family were processing the news and taking time to come to terms with the information, she said.
Police are continuing to prepare for the upcoming trial in October.
Reeves said: “It does bring a level of comfort [having found her body]. It is a weight off our shoulders.
“We’ve all felt this really heavily. We felt this was a piece we hadn’t been able to finalise. This is why we come to work.”
Raphael Franks is an Auckland-based reporter who covers breaking news. He joined the Herald as a Te Rito cadet in 2022.
A selection of cartoons from Herald cartoonist Rod Emmerson over the past year