When “High” Turns Harmful: The Story of Gabriel Lien Goh
In a shocking turn of events at Block 7A, Commonwealth Avenue, a 25‑year‑old Singaporean went from feeling high to feeling heavy – after the tragic deaths of his 56‑year‑old mother and 90‑year‑old grandmother, all under the influence of LSD, known to the street as “acid”. The High Court’s verdict had a twist: while the man was found guilty of the killings, he was cleared of culpable homicide because he was declared mentally incapable.
How the Day Unfolded
- Date & Time: October 27, 2019, around 7:25 pm
- Location: Their flat at Block 7A, Commonwealth Avenue
- The “Trip”: He slipped a LSD‑laden paper tab under his tongue after lunch, stayed high for about 30 minutes, then, out of curiosity, used a second tab 1½ hours later to chase even more vivid colors.
When his grandmother fled to a neighboring unit in a panic, the situation spiraled into a nightmare. The man stabbed his mother and then struck the grandmother – the violence fueled by deep‑sized space induced by LSD. Local law‑enforcement footage captured the chilling scene, and it made headlines fast.
Legal Aftermath
- The court deemed Gabriel unsound of mind at the time of the crime due to his voluntary LSD use.
- Justice Valerie Thean directed that he be placed at the Changi Prison Complex Medical Centre while awaiting further instructions from the Law Minister.
- Under Singapore’s Criminal Procedure Code, when someone is acquitted because of mental incapacity, the person must be kept in safe custody – possibly a psychiatric facility or a prison – until the Minister decides otherwise.
- There will be regular mental‑health reviews before any possible release.
Background: A Complicated History
Gabriel began his LSD adventures in December 2018 and had used the drug on three separate occasions before 2019. He purchased drugs from Geylang, a well‑known hotspot for illicit supplies. In addition, he faced charges of possession for both LSD and cannabis. In November 2021, he received a 22‑month jail sentence after pleading guilty to his drug‑related offenses.
What is LSD Anyway?
Across borders, LSD is a powerful hallucinogen that can induce wild, yet often terrifying experiences: severe panic, paranoia, and a fog of confusion. Scientists say the drug can drastically alter perception and, in some cases, destabilize one’s sense of reality – an entirely dangerous recipe for anyone who falls into its grasp.
While this tragic incident might sound like a dark comedy script, it’s a stark reminder of how quickly life can shift from a dream to a nightmare when substances are misused. Let’s hope we can learn and prevent these kinds of misfortunes from happening again.
