A Rotorua farmer has admitted murdering his ex-wife Xi Wang in the Auckland suburb of Flatbush in December last year.
Ephraim Joseph Beazley, 33, entered a guilty plea when he appeared in the Auckland High Court this morning.
- Vigil planned for slain Auckland woman Xi Wang
- Child's harrowing screams after mother's south Auckland death
- Man charged with woman's south Auckland murder
Police were called to Ms Wang's Flatbush home just before 10pm on December 10 after she was attacked in her home.
At the time, neighbours told Newshub that moments before Police arrived at the property they heard Ms Wang's young child screaming "mum, mum".
A summary of facts from the case reveals Beazley drove to Auckland from Rotorua with the intent of killing Ms Wang with a sheath knife he had previously used on hunting trips.
After Ms Wang opened the door to her house, Beazley, who was wearing a cap to try and hide his identity, stabbed her multiple times as she held their two-year-old son.
While he initially attempted to strike at her throat, Ms Wang blocked him, leading him to stab at her side and legs. There was also at least one stab to the vagina.
After realising he had done enough damage to kill her, Beazley fled the scene and later rang police and admitted to stabbing her.
Ms Wang was left at the house with her child in her arms before a female occupant of the house found her.
She was later taken to hospital where she died after emergency surgery.
Police said at the time that after they were called to the Ms Wang's house a man contacted them alleging he was responsible for the attack. A short time later a man was taken into custody.
In the summary of facts, the defendant stated he had "had enough of life in general and particularly the state of his relationship with the victim".
"He stated that he had decided the best option was to kill her."
Hours before the attack, Ms Wang posted a series of photos which appear to show her having dinner with her young child.
Neighbours described Ms Wang as warm, kind and friendly. One person said she had been very welcoming when they first moved to the suburb.
Ms Wang and Beazley had previously been in a relationship in Rotorua before it ended acrimoniously two years ago and Ms Wang moved to Auckland with their son.
Beazley had reportedly worked as a farmer.
Although there is no connection, the attack happened on the same week Police allege British backpacker Grace Millane was killed.
Beazley will be sentenced on April 2.
The child's name is suppressed.
Newshub.
