The 11-year-old twin boys found dead at Greenridge Crescent at Bukit Timah on Friday (Jan 21) were believed to have lived in a nearby condominium about 1km away.
The victims, identified as Ethan and Ashton Yap, were said to have special needs, the Straits Times reported. They are believed to be students in a school around the Eng Kong estate where their bodies were found.
According to 8world, a security personnel for the condominium estate, where the twins supposedly lived, said police officers had arrived at about 8pm on the night of the incident. They left after spending more than two hours in the apartment.
However, the report added that neither the security guard nor residents were aware that the twins lived in the estate.
One resident who claimed to be the first to move in to the estate which comprises five blocks said he and his wife often take walks downstairs and are acquainted with many of the residents. But they have not seen nor heard of the twin boys living there.
Family members of the boys offering prayers at the drain next to the Greenridge Crescent playground, on Jan 22, 2022. | Image source: The Straits Times
Last Rites
Earlier this morning (Jan 23), an inter-faith religious ceremony was held at the private residential area of Eng Kong estate where the boys’ bodies were found.
MP for Holland-Bukit Timah GRC Sim Ann who was present for the ceremony said the prayers were organised to mourn the two young victims. It was done so after a consultation with neighbourhood volunteers.
“Even if we do not know them, their deaths are heartbreaking. Especially to those of us who are parents, it’s an unimaginable loss,” said Sim.
Father to be Charged
Police had received a call for assistance at 6.25pm on Friday made by the boys’ father regarding the case.
The bodies of the twins were subsequently found motionless in the vicinity of a playground at Greenridge Crescent.
According to media outlets, their bodies were discovered in an approximately 2m-wide canal that cuts across the playground.
Residents reported seeing a woman crying at the scene before the police arrived, according to 8world. They also saw an orange car being towed away from the scene.
Image source: iStock
The woman told one 68-year-old resident that she was a friend of the boys’ mother and shared that the family lived in a condominium about a five- to 10-minute drive away.
A woman believed to be the boys’ mother arrived later that night at about 9 pm and entered the cordoned-off park, said the resident, describing the woman to be in her 40s and well-dressed.
Police on Saturday arrested the victims’ father, a 48-year-old man, for his suspected involvement in the boys’ deaths. He will be charged in court for murder on Monday (Jan 24).
How to Support Those With Mental Health Issues and Where to Seek Help
Image source: iStock
Dr Geraldine Tan, Founder and principal psychologist at Therapy Room, previously spoke with AsiaOne to share different ways we can help our friends who are struggling with their mental health.
- Regularly check in with them
If you sense that your friend is not doing well, Dr Tan advises to always look out for them. Give them a visit and see how they are coping.
- Ask the right questions
Asking your friend simple phrases such as “How are you feeling?” or “Are you okay” can affect their emotion positively, said Dr Tan. But make sure when you do ask that you yourself are available to listen to them.
- Avoid putting too much pressure on them
While trying to make them feel better, we may suggest advice to our friends on what they can do. This can at times put pressure on them.
- Just be there for them
Dr Tan says our presence can speak volumes and therefore our friends do not feel like they are being dismissed. Be there for your friend when they need someone to talk to and acknowledge that their feelings are valid.
If you or anyone else you know is struggling with mental health issues, please do not hesitate to reach out and ask for help. Here are Singapore helplines you can contact to prevent any incident from happening:
- Samaritans of Singapore (SOS): 1800 221 4444
- SAF Hotline (For SAF Personnel): 1800 278 0022
- Singapore Association of Mental Health: 1800 283 7019
- Silver Ribbon: 6386 1928
- Shan You Counselling Centre (Mandarin): 6741 0078
- Emergency Helpline (Institute of Mental Health): 6389 2222 (24 hours)
- Care Corner Counselling Centre (Mandarin): 1800 353 5800 (10am-10pm)
- Tinkle Friend: 1800 274 4788
- Institute of Mental Health’s Mental Health Helpline: 6389 2222
This article was first published on AsiaOne and republished on theAsianparent with permission.
Lead image source from The Straits Times.
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