Teen Charged With Murder Faces Court Again Via Video Link
On Tuesday, Aug 10, a 16‑year‑old from River Valley High School (RVHS) appeared in court for the second time in this knif‑and‑crossed case—minus his name, because he’s still under the age of majority.
What the Court Did Next
- Remand extension: He’ll spend two more weeks in the Complex Medical Centre (CMC) at Changi Prison, undergoing a psychiatric evaluation.
- Background: Back in 2019, the Institute of Mental Health (IMH) assessed him after a suicide attempt. Since being charged, he’s been under CMC custody.
- Appearance: He appeared on screen in a plain white t‑shirt and a light‑blue mask.
- Legal representation: His previous lawyer, Peter Fernando, was dismissed; now Sunil Sudheesan and Diana Ngiam are on his side.
Family Wants to Check In
Parents and extended family sat in the gallery. Sunil requested a five‑minute breakthrough so they could talk to the teen and see how he’s holding up.
“We understand the concerns of the parents but I think this is not the time yet for the parents to speak to him,” District Judge Brenda Tan replied. She added that arrangements for a later time could be made when it’s appropriate.
More Requests from the Family
The parents also want to reach out to the psychiatrist evaluating their son to share additional family history.
Next Meeting
The case is rescheduled to Aug 24.
Bottom Line on Sentencing
If convicted of murder, adults face the death penalty in Singapore. However, anyone under 18 will be handed a life sentence instead.
Getting help
Need a Lifeline? Dial the National Care Hotline!
Why you’ll want to pick up the phone
- 24‑hour support for health questions, concerns, or just that comfort you know you need.
- Friendly, trained staff ready to listen and help out.
- Live, real‑person conversation—no reading dull FAQ pages.
Make the call
Just buzz one number: 1800‑202‑6868. The line is open every day, from 8:00 AM to 12:00 AM. Yes, that’s night‑owl coverage.
Pro tip
Have your medical details handy—you’ll get faster, more personalized support if you’re ready to share.
Mental well-being
Stuck in a Mental Health Maze? Here’s Your Exit Map!
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Fei Yue’s Online Counselling Service (eC2.sg)
Call or chat with Fei Yue from Monday to Friday. They’re on standby from 10 am to 12 pm and again 2 pm to 5 pm. Think of it as your digital therapist with a coffee pot in hand.
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Institute of Mental Health (IMH) Helpline
Dial 6389‑2222 any time of day, day in, day out. It’s like a 24‑hour hotline that only needs a phone and a whisper.
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Samaritans of Singapore
At 24‑hour service, you can reach them at 1800‑221‑4444 or the short 1‑767. They’re ready to listen whenever you need an ear that won’t judge.
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Singapore Association for Mental Health (SAMH)
Call 1800‑283‑7019 Monday‑Friday between 9 am and 6 pm. Think of them as a friendly umbrella for when the storms hit.
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Silver Ribbon Singapore
Reach out at 6386‑1928 or 6509‑0271 during regular hours: Monday‑Friday, 9 am to 6 pm. They’ve got the counseling sock in the drawer for you.
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Tinkle Friend
Slot into their phone timetable—call 1800‑274‑4788 Monday‑Friday from 2:30 pm to 5 pm. Or hop onto the website on days when they’re open: Mon‑Thu: 2:30 pm to 7 pm; Fri: 2:30 pm to 5 pm. If texting feels better than talking, Tinkle Friend is your word‑playmate.
Counselling
When Life Throws a Sudden Curveball at Students
Picture this: a school day that should have felt routine, but turns into a story straight out of a crime drama. Reports of a tragic incident involving a murder/manslaughter sent shockwaves through the academic community. As students grapple with disbelief, confusion, and sometimes raw grief, one crucial resource can help calm the storm: professional counseling.
Why Students Need a Helping Hand
- Cognitive dissonance – Questions like “Why did it happen?” can create mental knots.
- Emotional overload – Sudden sorrow may feel overwhelming.
- Academic impact – Concentration can drop, grades might slip.
- Peer pressure – Discussions of justice, fairness, or personal safety can stir intense emotions among classmates.
Resources Available in Singapore
Touchline Counselling Center
Our first point of contact is the 24‑day Touchline service. Call during weekdays between 9am and 6pm if you’re feeling stuck or just need to vent.
- Hotline: 1800‑377‑2252
- Operating Hours: Mon‑Fri, 9am‑6pm
Care Corner Counselling Centre (Mandarin)
For Mandarin-speaking students or those more comfortable with language nuances, Care Corner offers a more tailored approach. They’re available almost all the time!
- Hotline: 1800‑353‑5800
- Operating Hours: Daily, 10am‑10pm
Getting Ready to Talk for the First Time
Letting someone listen isn’t just about having a friend over, it’s about opening up a door to healing. Here’s how to make that first call or visit easier:
- Take a quick mental check‑in: “I feel upset, confused, and a little scared.”
- Write down a few thoughts or questions ahead of time; this helps the counselor guide you better.
- Give yourself a little breathing space before you call – it’s normal to feel a tad nervous.
- And remember, no conversation is “too small”; every feeling matters.
Talking About a Crime – It’s Not Just About the Charge
When a crime like murder or manslaughter becomes part of a school story, students often wrestle with ethical and legal confusion, alongside their own emotional shock. Counseling can offer:
- Cognitive tools to handle the what ifs and would-ifs.
- Support circuits to keep them grounded, especially in a contamination of media headlines.
- Role‑play sessions that can help them articulate personal feelings to detectives or lawyers, if needed.
Takeaway
Even in the face of the hardest stories – bad news, crime, and tragedy – you can find help right at your fingertips. Reach out today, and give your brain the break it deserves. Because no one needs to face a campus‑wide shock alone, especially when you have professionals who’re ready to listen, guide, and help you move forward. Good, no?
