Nai Yin Xue arrived in New Zealand under US guard

Nai Yin Xue, 53, appeared in the Auckland District Court yesterday almost six months after sparking an international manhunt.He fled to the United States after abandoning his three-year-old daughter, Qian Xun Xue — nicknamed Pumpkin — at Melbourne's Southern Cross Station in September. A few days later the body of his wife, Anan Liu, 27, was found in the boot of his car outside their Auckland home.Xue was captured in the US late last month. He arrived in New Zealand under US guard early yesterday and was charged with his wife's murder.
Looking tired, he stood impassively in the dock. He was not required to enter a plea but occasionally nodded during the short hearing.
Prosecutors dropped a charge of unlawful removal of Qian Xun from her mother.
Judge Eddie Paul remanded Xue and adjourned proceedings to Wednesday next week to give defence lawyer Chris Comesky time to consult with his client. Mr Comesky said the impact of the wide media interest on Xue's right to a fair trial might need to be taken into account."There are obviously going to be difficulties," he said.
Detective Senior Sergeant Simon Scott, who led the investigation of Ms Liu's death, said further charges against Xue would be considered.