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The teenage boy involved in the death of a 13-year-old boy at River Valley High School in July 2021 is no longer charged with murder.

Charge downgraded

The boy appeared in court via video link from his place of remand at the Institute of Mental Health on Feb. 24, 2023, CNA wrote.

He turned 18 in January 2023 but cannot be named or identified under the Children and Young Persons Act as he was 16 years old at the time of the offence.

He was originally charged with murder, as per Mothership's previous report, but on Feb. 24 his charge was downgraded to culpable homicide not amounting to murder.

Boy suffered major depressive disorder during incident

In response to media queries, an Attorney-General's Chambers (AGC) said the boy has been remanded at the Institute of Mental Health (IMH) for psychiatric assessment since July 2021.

Following extensive assessments, doctors at IMH found the boy to be suffering from major depressive disorder of moderate severity at the time of the offence.

As such, AGC has decided to proceed on an amended charge of culpable homicide not amounting to murder under s 304(a) of the Penal Code.

Boy suffered major depressive disorder during incident

Based on the updated court documents seen by Mothership, the boy caused the death of the 13-year-old boy inside a toilet at River Valley High School.

Between 11:16am and 11:44am on Jul. 19, 2021, the boy used a 50cm by 22cm axe to repeatedly slash the head, neck, and body of the victim with the intention of causing the victim's death.

Based on a previous statement from the Singapore Police Force, officers attending to the incident found the victim with multiple wounds and lying motionless in the toilet.

The victim was pronounced dead at the scene and the axe was seized as a case exhibit.

Preliminary investigations at the time revealed that the boy and the victim did not know each other.

Case adjourned to April 2023

The case was adjourned to Apr. 6. 2023, The Straits Times reported.

Those convicted of committing 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.

On the other hand, those convicted of murder will face the death penalty.

However, the death sentence cannot be passed or recorded against an accused person who is below the age of 18 at the time of the offence.

He or she will be sentenced to life imprisonment instead.

Helplines

If you or someone you know are in mental distress, here are some hotlines you can call to seek help, advice, or just have a listening ear:

Hear4U: 6978 2728 (WhatsApp)

Institute of Mental Health's Mental Health Hotline: 6389 2222 (24-hour)

SAGE Counselling Centre - The Seniors Helpline: 1800 555 5555

Samaritans of Singapore: 1 767 (Hotline), 9151 1787 (WhatsApp)

Singapore Association for Mental Health Helpline: 1800 283 7019

Silver Ribbon Singapore: 6386 1928

Tinkle Friend: 1800 2744 788 (for children aged 7 to 12)

Viriya Counselling Helpline: 6256 1311

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Top image by Denise Tan