New developments pertaining to the horrific River Valley High School murder case have now come out.
In the incident that reportedly took place between 11.16 am and 11.44 am on Monday (July 19) in the school toilet – the 16-year-old purportedly used an axe as the murder weapon to hack the 13-year-old victim to death.
In his Facebook post, Minister K Shanmugam stated that as per preliminary investigations, the axe was brought online.
The accused, a 16-year-old-boy has been charged with one count of the murder today (Tuesday, July 20). His identity is being withheld as he is a minor and protected under the Children and Young Persons Act.
River Valley High School Murder: New Developments In The Case
Image courtesy: iStock
The accused, a student of Secondary 4, appeared in court via a video link from remand. He was seen wearing a red t-shirt and responded with a “Yes” to the judge on some questions.
The police prosecutor has urged the court to remand the accused teen at Changi Medical Centre for proper psychiatric evaluation.
Accused had attempted suicide in 2019
During the court hearing, police prosecutor shared that in 2019, police attended to an incident of attempted suicide involving the boy, who was 14 years at the time.
Post which, he was taken to custody for his own safety and was referred to the Institute of Mental Health (IMH) for assessment. He was later discharged.
The accused’s lawyer confirmed that this happened when the boy was in Secondary 2.
The accused’s parents were not present during the hearing session
The lawyer further added that the accused teen’s parents had hired him to represent their son. He further
added, “His parents have informed me that they are not coming to court this morning.”
So there was no one else in the courtroom, except for the police personnel, media and court officers.
Police informed that the school had called them at around 11:40 am informing them about the incident.
When the officers reached the spot, the victim was lying motionless and he had multiple wounds on his body. The 13-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene and the murder weapon – axe was seized as a case exhibit.
Murder weapon
Image courtesy: Stock
In his Facebook post, Minister Shanmugam shared that questions were being asked about how the 16-year-old boy got the axe. To which, he said preliminary probe suggests that it was purchased online (as stated above).
However, he insisted, “we will know the full facts only after investigations are completed.”
Mr Shanmugam further added that “it is probably one of the worst things for any parent to hear, from school that their child has been killed.”
Motive behind the gruesome murder
As per the preliminary probe by the police, it was found that the accused and the victim didn’t know each other. And so further investigation is on to find the real motive for the alleged assault.
The judge ordered the accused to be taken for psychiatric observation for three weeks and then to return to court on August 10.
Punishment for the alleged murder
Death is the penalty for murder in Singapore. But according to Section 314 of the Criminal Procedure Code, a sentence of death cannot be passed against an accused who is below 18 at the time of the incident.
The accused will instead be sentenced to life imprisonment.
Timeline Of The River Valley High School Murder Case
There was complete panic inside the campus on Monday after the news about the murder broke. Here’s a breakdown of the timeline of how the day unfolded on the campus.
11.40 am: Police receives a call for help from the school. By the time the officers arrived, the boy was already lying motionless and was pronounced dead by a Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) paramedic.
11.50 am: A 43-year-old man receives a message from his daughter, telling him someone is allegedly armed with an axe. He asks her daughter to run to a nearby mall. But she is stopped from leaving the school premises. She later informs her father that she is safe with all her teachers.
1 pm: There is a crime scene investigation van, an ambulance and almost four police vehicles located at the scene. Even though it is time for the lunch break, the students are not allowed to go out and are kept in their classrooms.
2 pm: Some students who needed to leave the campus are allowed to leave.
2.15 pm: The canteen staff are also allowed to leave the school premises.
3:33 pm: A Health Sciences Authority (HSA) van arrives inside the school compound to investigate the crime.
5.20 pm: Police issue a statement that the boy has been arrested and will be charged with murder.
6.15 pm: The students of the alleged accused Secondary 4 class are released.
Since further investigations are still pending, the Police have also requested the public to refrain from further speculation.
Note: This is a developing story and more details are awaited. Please refresh to check the latest updates.
Mental Health Organisations Singapore: Counselling Helplines
If you know someone who requires help for their mental issues, kindly assist them with the below helpline numbers.
Address: Buangkok Green Medical Park
10 Buangkok View
Singapore 539747
Phone: 6389 2222
24-HOUR HOTLINE: 1800-221 4444
This is an initiative for primary school children. Call them on 1800-274 4788 (Monday to Friday, 2.30 pm to 5 pm) or you can also chat online.
Address: C/O H.O.L.A., Block 208 Serangoon Central, 01-238, Singapore 550208
Tel: (65) 6386 1928
Do not ignore or take mental health lightly. Remember, early help can make a huge difference. Don’t feel ashamed or embarrassed to ask for help, if needed.
News source: CNA, The Straits Times
ALSO READ:
River Valley High School Stabbing: Sec 4 Boy Arrested Over Death Of Sec 1 Student
Loneliness in Children Can Lead To Mental Health Problems
