Mystery Deepens: Is the Husband of the Murdered Woman Alive or Lost Forever?

Zhuojan 'Sally' Li has been confirmed as the deceased found in Botany, raising serious concerns for her husband, Jai-Bao 'Rex' Chen, as police continue their investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death.

P24 News Media

December 14, 2024

1 minute

Mystery Deepens: Is the Husband of the Murdered Woman Alive or Lost Forever?

India

Investigators delving into a homicide case in Botany face ongoing uncertainties regarding the fate of a man believed to be connected to the victim. The body of Zhuojun 'Sally' Li, aged 33, was discovered on December 9 in a secluded area of Sir Joseph Banks Park. Her disappearance had been reported to the authorities after her mother raised concerns about her inability to reach her.

The situation has raised serious alarms regarding Li's husband, Jai-Bao 'Rex' Chen, also 33. Homicide Squad leader Danny Doherty indicated that the police have been unsuccessful in making contact with Chen, leading to heightened fears regarding his safety. Doherty remarked, "The truth is we do not have clarity on whether Rex is alive or deceased." The ambiguity surrounding Chen puts him in a precarious position, as he may be either a person of interest or a potential victim in this case.

Since the end of November, neither Li nor Chen have been seen alive, and they were known to reside in Greenacre, situated near Bankstown in Sydney's southwest. Doherty further emphasized that there were no indications of domestic violence between the couple, nor were there any connections identified with organized crime. In his words, the pair appeared to be just an ordinary couple, underscoring the perplexing nature of the alleged murder.

The recent autopsy revealed suspicious circumstances surrounding Li's death, prompting authorities to explore the possibility of third-party involvement. Doherty elaborated on the investigative process, stating, "While we were working to identify the deceased, a wealth of information and evidence began to emerge." This has necessitated an open-minded approach to the investigation, especially concerning the involvement of another individual in both Li's death and Chen's disappearance.

As part of the investigation, police have confiscated a silver Toyota Avensis at a location within Sydney. They assert that this vehicle was utilized to transport Li's body to the site where it was found. Images of this car were made public in an effort to gather more information regarding its movements leading up to the incident. "We need to consider the possibility of a third party being implicated not only in Sally's suspected murder but also in Rex's disappearance," Doherty noted.

In light of this distressing situation, authorities are urging anyone with pertinent information about Chen’s whereabouts to reach out to Crime Stoppers. Descriptions of Chen indicate he is of Asian descent, standing between 165 and 170 centimeters tall, possessing a slim physique, with black hair and brown eyes. As the investigation unfolds, the hope is that clarity will be sought regarding both the tragic death of Zhuojun 'Sally' Li and the mystery enveloping Jai-Bao 'Rex' Chen.