Jai-Bao ‘Rex’ Chen, 33, and his wife Zhuojun ‘Sally’ Li were found dead near Sydney Airport, with Chen’s body discovered submerged in a creek and Li’s wrapped in plastic nearby. Authorities revealed that Chen accumulated significant gambling debts to a loan shark, suggesting a motive for a possible homicide. Police treat the case as a targeted double murder, investigating the involvement of third parties who allegedly transported the bodies. They found a vehicle used in the crime and are liaising with international authorities. The couple had no known links to organized crime and were providing care under the NDIS before their deaths.
The husband in a couple found dead in bushland near Sydney Airport reportedly had a severe gambling problem and owed a substantial debt to a loan shark, which police suspect may have led to their brutal murders.
The body of Jai-Bao “Rex” Chen, 33, was discovered submerged in a creek near Sir Joseph Banks Park in Botany Bay on Tuesday. Eight days earlier, his wife, Zhuojun “Sally” Li, was found wrapped in plastic about 10 meters away by a jogger.
Financial Troubles Under Investigation
Homicide detectives have uncovered that Mr. Chen owed a large sum of money, reportedly due to a chronic gambling habit, according to The Daily Telegraph. Investigators are exploring whether the couple’s deaths were orchestrated by the loan shark to whom Mr. Chen owed the debt.
Detective Superintendent Danny Doherty, Commander of the Homicide Squad, said Mr. Chen’s financial problems were “a strong line of inquiry.”
“They owed money. There was no other criminality we were aware of, and sadly, Sally has become a victim because of that,” Doherty stated.
Ms. Li Unaware of Debt
Ms. Li was reportedly unaware of the extent of her husband’s gambling-related debts. Her mother reported her missing in November, and her body was found a week later. The couple had not been seen since then.
Neighbors said Mr. Chen’s family from Taiwan was preparing to repatriate his body.
Targeted Double Murder
Police believe the murders occurred at the couple’s home in Greenacre, southwest Sydney, before their bodies were transported to the Botany Bay area.
“Forensic examination suggests at least two individuals were involved in the disposal of the bodies. Both suspects have since traveled overseas,” said Supt Doherty.
Discovery of the Bodies
Ms. Li’s body, found wrapped in plastic, had been left in thick bushland, while Mr. Chen’s body was submerged and hidden under bulrush reeds, making it difficult to locate.
Doherty dismissed criticism of the time taken to find Mr. Chen’s remains, explaining that the dense foliage had concealed the body.
Evidence and International Investigation
A silver Toyota Avensis, believed to have been used to transport the bodies, has been seized. Police are collaborating with authorities in China and Taiwan to locate the suspects believed to be involved in the crime.
Additionally, a phone found during the investigation provided critical evidence linking the two suspects to the crime.
Couple’s Background
Despite the gruesome circumstances, neighbors described Mr. Chen and Ms. Li as a “normal couple” who had recently been working in in-home disability care under the National Disability Insurance Scheme.
However, Mr. Chen had a history of drug-related convictions. In 2022, he was sentenced to an 18-month community corrections order for drug supply, which expired earlier this year.
Grieving Family
Ms. Li’s mother has been left devastated. Over the weekend, she was seen clearing out her daughter’s marital home in Greenacre, while police continued their forensic examination of the property.
The investigation into the couple’s deaths is ongoing, with police determined to bring those responsible to justice.
