This article exists as part of the online archive for HuffPost Australia, which closed in 2021.

Robert Xie Found Guilty Of Murdering Five Family Members

The verdict comes more than seven years after the murders of Lin family.
Robert Xie had denied any involvement in the deaths
Fairfax
Robert Xie had denied any involvement in the deaths

Robert Xie has been found guilty of murdering five members of his family at their Sydney home in 2009.

Xie, 53, had pleaded not guilty to bashing to death his brother-in-law Min "Norman" Lin, 45, Lin's wife Yun Li "Lily" Lin, 43, her sister Yun Bin "Irene" Lin, 39, and the Lins' two sons Henry, 12, and Terry, 9 at their North Epping home in July 2009.

After a six-month trial in the NSW Supreme Court, Xie was found guilty by a majority of 11 jurors.

#BREAKING Xie stood up in dock as jury left courtroom after a 6 month trial. "I did not murder the Lin family," he said. "I am innocent."

— Natasha Robinson (@NC_Robinson) January 12, 2017

Sydney man Robert Xie has been found guilty of murdering of five members of the Lin family. pic.twitter.com/CaN24HhKhG

— ABC News 24 (@ABCNews24) January 12, 2017

Xie stood accused of sneaking into the Lin family home after cutting the electricity and, with a hammer-like weapon, beat Min and Lily while they slept before turning his attention to the children.

The verdict comes more than seven years after the family was bashed almost beyond recognition.

Earlier on Thursday the jury indicated to the court it was unable to reach a unanimous decision, however Justice Elizabeth Fullerton twice instructed them to return to deliberations.

Before the jury was formally discharged, Xie reportedly told them he did not murder the Lin family and maintained his innocence.

Prosecutors had argued Xie wanted to kill his brother-in-law and his family because he was enraged by a perceived lowly status within the family, the Sydney Morning Herald reports.

ALSO ON HUFFPOST AUSTRALIA

Close
This article exists as part of the online archive for HuffPost Australia. Certain site features have been disabled. If you have questions or concerns, please check our FAQ or contact support@huffpost.com.