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The teenager accused of killing a 13-year-old boy at River Valley High School is scheduled to plead guilty in August.

The 18-year-old cannot be identified under the Children and Young Persons Act as he was 16 years old at the time of the offence.

He was charged with murder after his arrest, but the prosecution reduced the charge to culpable homicide not amounting to murder, because of his mental condition during the offence.

According to the charge, the teenager allegedly used a 50cm by 22cm axe to slash the victim's head, neck, and body between 11:16am and 11:44am on Jul. 19, 2021.

Hearing scheduled for August in the High Court

CNA reported that the teenager is still being held in remand and appeared in court via video-link with his head shaved.

The prosecutor informed the court that the teenager intends to plead guilty, and the date had been fixed on Aug. 7 in the High Court.

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.

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