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49-year-old Xavier Yap Jung Houn, who originally faced double murder charges, now faces two counts of culpable homicide.

He was initially charged with the murder of his twin sons, Ethan Yap E Chern & Aston Yap Kai Shern, on Jan. 21 last year.

The twins' bodies were found on the same day in the covered canal beside the playground at Greenridge Crescent.

According to the new charge sheets, he is now accused of strangling his twin sons to death at the canal, with the intention of causing their deaths.

Diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder

Yap has been remanded since his arrest and appeared in court today through video-link.

Deputy Public Prosecutor Lim Shin Hui told the court that the prosecution had amended his murder charges to culpable homicide.

The prosecutor said that an Institute of Mental Health doctor diagnosed him with Major Depressive Disorder of moderate severity during the commission of the offences.

She asked for Yap to be further remanded pending instructions from the High Court in March.

Yap is represented by Choo Si Sen, Patrick Nai, Choo Yean Lin from Tan Lee & Partners, and Muhammad Razeen Sayed Majunoon from Advance Law.

Accused lost weight

Dressed in prison clothing, Yap, who had lost weight visibly, was expressionless throughout the proceedings.

Anyone found guilty of murder can face the death penalty.

Those convicted of culpable homicide not amounting to murder can be sentenced to life imprisonment with caning, or imprisonment for up to 20 years and a fine or caning.

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Top image via Lianhe Zaobao & Mothership file