The 48-year-old woman who was found dead at Maxwell Food Centre on Sep. 6 was married for 16 to 17 years and was in a loving relationship with her husband, according to her younger brother-in-law.

The accused, 41-year-old Chinese national Wu Tao, was arrested on Sep. 7 and charged on Sep. 8 with murder.

Met her husband in Thailand

Speaking to Shin Min Daily News, the brother-in-law of the deceased woman, Tan Kamowan, described her as a "hardworking" woman who also had a son and a daughter.

He added that Tan had first met his elder brother in Thailand and that they got married there before moving to Singapore.

The relationship between Tan and her husband had also always been good, he noted.

Two days prior to the incident, her husband went down to the stall at Maxwell Food Centre to help repair the range hood.

In addition, Tan also owns two properties and land in her hometown and she was still paying off their mortgages.

Another vendor interviewed by Shin Min claimed that Tan had been planning to return to Thailand on Sep. 7, Saturday, for five days and that she had already bought her plane ticket.

As for their children, Tan's brother-in-law said that both of them are currently in secondary school and still need someone to care for them.

He added: "My sister-in-law was a very good person. We do not want outsiders to make random guesses. My elder brother will still have to care for the children and I hope they will not be affected."

Deceased and suspect previously worked in stalls adjacent to each other

Shin Min also reported that both the accused and the victim had known each other from working at Chinatown Complex Market and Food Centre.

Tan ran a Thai food stall, while Wu worked as an assistant at the adjacent vegetarian food stall.

They were described as having had a good relationship, and were seen talking and eating together in their spare time.

About a year ago, both of them jointly opened a stall at Maxwell Food Centre together.

Subsequently, about a month prior to the incident, Tan started her own business and opened a Thai food stall.

The argument that led to Tan's death was purportedly about money, Shin Min reported.

Top centre photo via Shin Min Daily News, left & right photos via Google Maps