That’s the last time her worried landlords saw her alive.
When emergency services forcibly entered her room later they discovered the Chinese national unresponsive on the floor. Her death has now been ruled a suicide by a coroner in a decision released today.
Di arrived in New Zealand in 2019 and completed her master’s in applied data science at the University of Canterbury.
In March 2021 she contacted Christchurch residents Sarah and her husband David*, with whom she had stayed previously, and asked if they had any accommodation available.
After they offered their hospitality, she moved back into their Ilam home on March 8 and records showed her visa application in mid-March noted an “A” grade for her medical with no mental health stressors.
However, about 7am on March 30, 2021, Di began to text Sarah messages indicating a troubled mind grappling with feelings of isolation and ridicule.
Sarah offered to skip work for the day to support her young boarder. After speaking to Di from outside her bedroom door, she entered the bedroom, later telling of feeling scared as she did so.
Once inside she sat with Di and told her she was an excellent person with a loving family.
Because of Di’s state of mind, Sarah asked her husband to call someone for help. It was at this point her landlords suddenly found themselves on the receiving end of Di’s aggression and were unable to prevent the harmful incident that unfolded.
Di pulled out a sharp kitchen knife and began to stab Sarah several times around her arms and upper torso. As her husband covered Sarah with his arm, Di made several stabbing motions, causing a deep laceration to his upper arm and shoulder.
The couple escaped and called for help.
Desperate attempts to reach Di by the Armed Offenders Squad, the police negotiating team and paramedics were met with silence until the sound of uncontrollable crying was heard from within her bedroom. However, by the time authorities breached the door, Di was found unresponsive.
After a coronial investigation into her death, Coroner Mary-Anne Borrowdale ruled her death was a suicide but said it was unclear what caused her to feel overwhelmed that day.
“Jian’s parents were naturally shocked by events ... They stated that they had spoken to Jian the day before, and she had sounded happy. This evidence is consistent with Sarah and David having had no concerns for Jian before March 30.
“Jian’s texts, notes and spoken words refer to fear of other people ridiculing her; worries about staying in New Zealand and finding work; her virginity; and everyone wanting her to die.
The coroner said Di was in a highly distressed and destructive state of mind that morning.
“She violently attacked her landlords, who had twice welcomed her into their home. She rebuffed their attempts to console her and to calm the situation.
“Plainly, the balance of Jian’s mind was disturbed that day, and she acted in ways that were out of character for her.”
Borrowdale offered her condolences to Di’s family.
*Landlord’s names have been changed.
Shannon Pitman is a Whangārei-based reporter for Open Justice covering courts in the Te Tai Tokerau region. She is of Ngāpuhi/ Ngāti Pūkenga descent and has worked in digital media for the past five years. She joined NZME in 2023.
