Sydney University student found dead in Burwood unit identified

Xiaoting Wang came to Australia seeking opportunities and a university degree. Instead, the 21-year-old’s life was cut short – her body and that of her boyfriend’s found at their Burwood unit block.

On the morning of Monday, August 12, members of the public discovered the body of a 21-year-old man in a garden bed at a Conder Street unit block. It appeared he had leapt to his death.

When police entered his apartment, they discovered the body of Wang, who lived in the same unit and studied with the man at the University of Sydney. Both were Chinese nationals.

Police believe she had been stabbed to death inside the unit. Detectives are investigating if the incident is a domestic violence-related murder-suicide.

Detectives do not believe anyone else was involved in the deaths.

Investigations are still ongoing, and police are calling for members of the community who may have seen Wang and the male student in the moments leading up to their deaths to come forward.

In particular, detectives want to clarify the timeline and movements leading up to the tragedy.

The pair were not previously known to police, and they were living with a third Chinese student.

Superintendent Christine McDonald, Burwood Police Area commander, said the community had been devastated by Wang’s death and urged those who knew her to attend a vigil to be held at the Burwood Pavilion Centre on August 27.

At the time of the deaths, University of Sydney vice chancellor Mark Scott said the university was co-operating with police and offered support to students impacted by the tragedy.

Homicide squad detectives and officers from the Burwood and South West Metropolitan regions are continuing their investigations into the deaths as part of Strike Force Torphins.

If you or anyone you know needs support, you can contact the National Sexual Assault, Domestic and Family Violence Counselling Service on 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732), Lifeline 131 114, or Beyond Blue 1300 224 636. The men’s referral service is on 1300 766 491.

Start the day with a summary of the day’s most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter.