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Newcastle Herald
Newcastle Herald
National

Accused faces 24 additional charges after the murder of a 25 year-old student at Snapper Point

Detectives have laid more than 20 additional charges as part of the investigation into the murder of a woman on the Central Coast more than three years ago.

The body of Mengmei Leng, a 25-year-old International student from China, was discovered inside a blow hole at Snapper Point in the Munmorah State Conservation Area on Sunday, April 24, 2016.

Detectives from the State Crime Command's Homicide Squad and Tuggerah Lakes Police District established Strike Force Elise to investigate the circumstances surrounding the woman's murder.

A post mortem examination found the cause of death was a stab wound to the neck area.

A 27-year-old man was charged with murder in April 2016.

After being provided additional information earlier this year, Strike Force Elise detectives, with assistance from the Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad, conducted further investigations.

The man was arrested on Wednesday, December 18, at around 9.30am at Newcastle Police Station.

He was charged with 24 additional charges, including inflicting actual bodily harm with intent to have sexual intercourse with the victim, assault with act of indecency, and aggravated sex assault, deprive liberty.

MURDER SCENE: Police at Snapper Point after Michelle Leng's body was discovered. Picture: Marina Neil.

Police will allege in court that the man sexually and indecently assaulted the woman at a Campsie home in the days prior to her death.

The man was remanded in custody to appear at Newcastle Local Court later today.

Police are urging anyone with information that may assist Strike Force Elise detectives to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or use the Crime Stoppers online reporting page.

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