Double deaths in Pasir Ris see depressed dad stab daughter with autism

Some heartbreaking information has emerged about the shocking double deaths in Pasir Ris that happened in 2017. The double deaths in Pasir Ris involved a father stabbing his daughter who had autism. After this, he took his own life by jumping from his apartment. 

Today, Friday 7 September, the State Coroner revealed that 69-year-old Tang Soh Ha killed his daughter, 27-year-old Tang Hui Yee, because he thought this would end his worries over her future. 

Last August 20, dad of three Tang Soh Ha was discovered dead outside his Pasir Ris apartment. In the kitchen of his apartment, the body of Tang Hui Yee was found in a pool of blood. 

According to a Channel NewsAsia report, State Coroner Kamala Ponnampalam today revealed that Mr Tang "had been treated for depression and was previously diagnosed with bipolar mood disorder and delirium."

What's more, a couple of weeks before the double deaths in Pasir Ris, Mr Tang reportedly saw a doctor at the Institute of Mental Health (IMH). Earlier, he had gone to see a doctor at a polyclinic for having suicidal thoughts. 

The Channel NewsAsia report reveals that, "he [Mr Tang] said he was having sleep problems and experiencing low mood, with 'fleeting passive suicidal thoughts of dying by jumping from height.'"

He would also reportedly lose sleep, worrying about his daughter's future. The specialists at IMH diagnosed Mr Tang "with insomnia with secondary depressive features". He was also asked to return to IMH emergency if he felt suicidal again. 

Following his visit to IMH, Mr Tang was able to sleep a bit better after being prescribed sleeping pills. But he reportedly still felt tired very fast, and, according to his sons, made remarks such as "He was burdening the family and who would take care of Ms Tang if he was not around."

One night before the double deaths in Pasir Ris, Mr Tang's son reportedly found his dad lying awake on the living room sofa. He was also found reading the bible in the kitchen at around 3am. 

The next day, at around 9am, Mr Tang was seen playing with his granddaughter in the kitchen. His son had left the house with his mother to get some groceries. And this was the last time he ever saw his father or sister alive. 

According to CNA, it was Mr Tang who cared for his daughter with autism. But lately, he was worried he could not look after her properly due to his failing health. 

Madam Yeo, Mr Tang's wife said that things were apparently normal when she left the house that fateful day. But like her son, she too noticed that her husband was not his usual self days before the sad incident. 

Apparently, he seemed very preoccupied and was very anxious about his daughter, who also had moderate intellectual disability. 

According to reports, it was deduced that the father had stabbed his daughter from behind with a kitchen knife. He then jumped to his own death. 

"Regrettably, Mr Tang had seemingly decided that the joint demise of both him and his daughter was the solution to his concerns for his daughter's welfare," said the State Coroner.

At theAsianparent, we extend our heartfelt condolences to the family. We are also extremely saddened at the helplessness Mr Tang seemed to feel. 

If you, or a loved one need help, know that you are not alone. 

Samaritans of Singapore operates a 24-hour hotline at 1800 221 4444, or you can email [email protected] If someone you know is at immediate risk, call 24-hour emergency medical services.

Source: Channel NewsAsia