'The saddest thing in life is losing someone you deeply love': 'Murdered' student's mother
The mother of student Mengmei 'Michelle' Leng found dead in a blow hole over the Anzac Day long weekend broke down in tears as she told of how her daughter had always dreamed of studying in Sydney, but it was a dream that led to her death.
A tourist discovered the 25-year-old Chinese student's body, naked and with up to 30 stab wounds, in a blow hole at Snapper Point on the NSW Central Coast in April.
Mei Zhang Leng spoke to the media on Thursday through a translator. Photo: AAP
The press conference where Ms Leng's mother addressed the media for the first time since her daughter's tragic death. Photo: AAP
It’s alleged Ms Leng tried to fight off her attacker and suffered a number of defensive wounds.
Her mother Mei Zhang Leng arrived in Sydney this week to see the place of her daughter's dreams, still unable to comprehend her death.
"The time will never turn back to when Mengmei and I were living happily with each other," she said through a translator on Thursday.
Michelle Leng. Photo: Facebook.
Michelle Leng.
"You can never imagine how painful it is to me. The saddest thing in life is losing someone you deeply love."
Mrs Zhang's husband died in 2008, leaving just she and her daughter, also known as Michelle, to depend on each other.
Ms Leng left her home in Chengdu five years ago to study at the University of Technology Sydney and was studying economics.
"Mengmei had always dreamed of being here to study," her mother said, adding that her daughter was a feeling and understanding girl.
Michelle Leng lived in Sydney with her aunt and uncle, who is charged with her murder. Photo: AAP
Ms Leng at the wedding of her aunt and uncle. Photo: AAP
She had lived with her 48-year-old aunt and her aunt's husband, Derek Barrett, at their Campsie home since she arrived in Australia.
Barrett, 27, has been charged with her murder. He was arrested by NSW homicide detectives on Friday afternoon after Ms Leng went missing on Thursday April 21.
Ms Leng's mother spoke through a translator. Photo: AAP
Ms Leng's murder accused was charged on Friday. Photo: Facebook
CCTV showed Ms Leng shopping at Pitt Street Mall on Thursday. Photo: NSW Police
Mrs Zhang thanked the Australian and Chinese communities for their support during a time when she is suffering greatly.
She also thanked NSW Police, including homicide squad Detective Inspector Gary Jubelin, for investigating her daughter's death.
A fund has been set up to help pay for Ms Leng's funeral and support her mother when she returns to China.
