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He told a psychiatrist “there was a struggle and I stabbed her in the neck” and “I ... lunged at her”.
A crime scene analysis of the home uncovered extensive blood staining across the kitchen, living area, rear deck and backyard. Cheng had sustained three stab wounds to the check and neck, and 11 slash-like wounds to her body including both hands.
Chen Cheng, 35, was killed in April 2022.
Her family, watching the hearing remotely from China, wrote a letter expressing their gratitude for all those who did what they could for Cheng in her dying moments. They said their family was suffering ongoing pain at losing an only child.
“She was the diamond and hope in our whole family. The pearl in our palms,” the victim’s mother, Min Liu, wrote.
“Now each day I live in fear, anger and endless misery.
“My beautiful daughter was killed in what she considered her safest place, her home.”
Cheng moved to Australia to study at the University of Melbourne before meeting and then marrying Brown in 2017.
Deakin University lecturer Adam Brown and wife Chen Cheng.
At the time of her death, Cheng had been working for Timber Truss in Richmond, where she was described as a diligent and kind employee.
Brown grew up in Kyneton, before studying at Deakin University where he later tutored students in history, literature and media at the Geelong campus before gaining full-time work as a lecturer in Melbourne in 2011.
Following the birth of their first child, Cheng’s mother visited Australia to assist with the newborn before returning to China amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Adam Brown was arrested and charged with his wife’s murder in May.Credit:Facebook
The victim’s mother said while in Melbourne, she witnessed Brown raise his voice at her daughter and speak in a fierce manner while Cheng remained quiet.
When her mother flew home the pair began video calling daily, so she could monitor her daughter.
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Colleague Robert Wallace said his grieving workplace was also still struggling to come to terms with what had happened, with a memorial wall and white ribbon day now a regular feature in honour of Cheng.
Wallace said his heart particularly broke for Cheng’s young son who will now grow up without a mother.
“He won’t remember her at all, I think that’s the saddest part,” Wallace said.
Brown pleaded guilty in September to murder. He has no prior criminal record.
Defence barrister David Hallowes, SC, said Brown was sorry for his “heinous” crime and recognised he’d caused untold grief to Cheng’s family and friends.
Brown will be sentenced at a later date.