Police unsure if husband of murdered woman is 'alive or dead'

Homicide detectives don’t know if the husband of a woman found murdered in Botany is “dead or alive” as the homicide investigation has continued to “unravel” over the last few days.

The woman, now identified as Zhuojun ‘Sally’ Li, 33, was found in bushland at Sir Joseph Banks Park in Botany on December 9.

Li had been reported missing since last month after her mother contacted police because she could not get a hold of her.

Homicide Squad boss Danny Doherty said today that detectives have not been able to reach her husband Jai-Bao ‘Rex’ Chen, also 33, and hold “grave concerns” for his safety and wellbeing.

“Truth be told … we’re not sure whether Rex is alive or dead,” Doherty said.

“It’s a question mark on whether he’s a person of interest or a victim, we still don’t know.

“There’s no confirmation that he’s alive … or that he’s been seen alive since late November.”

Both Li and Chen have not been seen alive since November. 

They were known to live in Greenacre, near Bankstown in Sydney’s south-west.

Doherty said there were no reports of any domestic violence between the couple or any links to organised crime.

He described them as a “normal couple” and said the motive for her alleged murder was “a mystery.”

He also said a post-mortem exam confirmed that her death was suspicious. 

Detectives are now investigating if a third person was involved in the death of Li and the disappearance of Chen.

”There was a point where we were waiting to confirm the identity, whilst that was unfolding a lot of information and evidence was being uncovered by investigators,” Doherty said.

“We have to keep an open mind, and when we do that we look at the possibility of a third party.” 

Doherty said that police have also seized a silver Toyota Avensis from an address in Sydney’s city.

He alleged the car was used to transport Li’s body and dispose of it in Botany.

Police released images of the car this morning asking for information about its movements and whereabouts. 

“Not only in the suspected murder of Sally, but we also have to look at a third party being involved in the disappearance of Rex as well,” Doherty said.

Police are asking anyone with information about Chen’s whereabouts to contact Crime Stoppers. 

Chen is described as being of Asian appearance, 165cm to 170cm tall with a slim build, black hair and brown eyes.