Inquest hears South Wales teenager died from pressure to her neck

Treorchy Comprehencive pupil Wenjing Li died at her family's takeaway

Published 16th Apr 2021

A teenage girl found dead at her family restaurant was killed by pressure to her neck, an inquest has heard.

16 year-old Wenjing Lin was found in the kitchen by her mother at their home over the takeaway restaurant.

Dozens of police officers were among more than 30 emergency vehicles called to the Blue Sky Chinese where Wenjing lived in Ynyswen, Rhondda.

Chun Xu, 31, has been charged with the teenager's murder in March. He is not related to Ms Lin.

A post-mortem examination took place at the University Hospital of Wales on March 6th and a provisional cause of death was given as pressure to the neck with further investigation to follow.

Coroner David Regan adjourned the inquest but did not fix a new date in order to allow the police to continue with their investigation.

Xu appeared at Cardiff Crown Court on March 25th where he spoke only to confirm his identity.

He was remanded in custody ahead of the next hearing on August 20th.

He also faces a separate charge of attempting to murder a 38-year-old man.

Wenjing had been described as a "positive role model" in a tribute from her school who said fellow pupils had been offered specialist counselling following her death.

"Positive role model"

Treorchy Comprehensive School said:

"Wenjing Lin’s sudden death is a tragedy and has had a devastating impact on our school and in particular her friendship group and Year 11.

"Wenjing’s life, however, will be remembered as a masterclass in how to be the very best version of yourself that you can be.

"The school will remember Wenjing Lin as a positive role model. She was extremely hard working and was in the middle of studying for her GCSEs and had ambitions to go on to study Psychology and Maths and further Maths at A Level.

"The school is working with outside agencies to support all those impacted by this tragedy. Students in Year 11 and across other year groups have already had access to immediate support, and this will continue with the support of trained counsellors during the weeks ahead.”

"gentle soul"

In a tribute, Wenjing's heartbroken family said:

“Wenjing had a very gentle soul, she was a very quiet person.

"Wenjing helped the whole family, working in the family takeaway. She enjoyed school and worked very hard. She was loved by her family.”