Two men have been formally charged with murder following a violent incident in an apartment building that tragically resulted in the death of a 56-year-old man. The accused individuals, identified as Tan Boon Hui, aged 58, and Poh Choon Kiat, aged 59, are jointly facing the capital offense of killing a man.
The fatal altercation took place on the 17th floor of Block 51 Chin Swee Road sometime between 1:00 am and 3:00 am on November 8. The police were alerted to the scene when they received a call for assistance at the residential block at approximately 3:10 am on the same morning.
Upon the arrival of law enforcement officers, the victim was discovered outside his own apartment on the 17th floor. He was found lying injured and was unconscious. Emergency services quickly transported him to Singapore General Hospital, where, despite medical efforts, he later succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead. Investigations at the scene by law enforcement confirmed that the victim had suffered stab wounds. As part of the investigation, two weapons believed to be involved in the crime two knives were successfully recovered and seized by police officers.
Following the immediate investigation, a total of three men were arrested in connection with the incident, including the two men who have since been charged, Mr. Tan and Mr. Poh.
Both Mr. Tan and Mr. Poh were officially charged with murder via a video link on November 9. The proceedings offered a stark visual contrast between the two co-accused.
Mr. Tan Boon Hui, the 58-year-old co-accused, appeared on camera from his hospital bed at Changi General Hospital, where he was being warded for treatment. He was observed wearing a neck brace. Speaking to the court through an interpreter in Mandarin, Mr. Tan informed the judge that his leg was swollen, limiting his ability to move around. The judge responded by assuring him that since he was already admitted to the hospital, he would continue to receive the necessary medical care from the doctors there. The prosecution requested that Mr. Tan be remanded for a period of one week. This remand period is requested to allow investigators time to assist with the ongoing probe, which includes facilitating his potential return to the scene of the alleged crime as part of the evidence collection process once his medical condition permits.
Mr. Poh Choon Kiat, the 59-year-old co-accused, appeared on camera from a different holding location. He was dressed in a red polo T-shirt. When his charge was formally read out in court, he was asked if he had anything to say in response, to which he stated that he had no immediate comments to offer. In addition to the murder charge, Mr. Poh is separately alleged to have committed drug offenses. These drug-related charges will be separately referred to the Central Narcotics Bureau for action and prosecution.
The third man arrested at the scene, who is identified as a friend of the deceased victim, has not been charged in court for murder or any related offense. This individual was arrested for the offense of affray and is currently assisting law enforcement with their ongoing investigations into the fatal incident.
The seriousness of the charges against Mr. Tan and Mr. Poh is underscored by the maximum penalty associated with the offense. If the two men are convicted of murder under the law, they face the possibility of the death penalty. Their cases are scheduled to return to court for a further mention on November 14.
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