Man, 23, charged with murder of elderly man at Laguna Park Condo, asks judge for death penalty

The 23-year-old man who allegedly murdered a 68-year-old man at Laguna Park Condominium was charged in court on Nov. 15.

During the court session, the man asked the judge to sentence him to death.

Accused asked for death penalty

The 23-year-old, Yeo Tze How, appeared in court via video link on Nov. 15, The Straits Times (ST) reported, citing Lianhe Zaobao.

He was dressed in a white top and appeared calm.

He is being accused of murdering 68-year-old Tham Lup Hong at the 13th floor lift lobby of 5000c Marine Parade Road, Laguna Park Condominium.

Court documents did not indicate their relationship to each other, ST wrote.

During the hearing, Yeo asked the judge to sentence him to death.

The prosecution responded by informing him that the case was still being investigated and not due for sentencing.

According to Shin Min Daily News, Yeo asked in reply, "When is the sentencing?"

The judge reiterated that investigation was still ongoing and asked Yeo if he understood this, to which Yeo replied saying he did.

The prosecution asked for Yeo to be remanded for three weeks so he could undergo psychiatric assessment.

Upon hearing this, Yeo asked the judge if the assessment will be done in prison, to which the judge informed him that it will be done at Changi General Hospital.

Deceased was resident at Laguna Park since 1996

According to Shin Min, the deceased used to run businesses with his wife, including a coffee shop in 1998.

This venture folded after a year.

Later, in 2016, he invested in a childcare centre which his wife ran as a general manager. It ceased operations in 2018.

Tham and his family have been living at Laguna Park Condo since 1996.

They were also present in court when Yeo was charged.

Tham's family appeared despondent and declined to be interviewed, according to Shin Min.

Background

The police said they received a call for assistance on Nov. 13 at 5000C Marine Parade Road, the address of Laguna Park condominium, at about 12:45pm.

When they arrived, they found Tham injured. He was conveyed to the hospital, where he passed away.

Two penknives were seized at the scene and Yeo was arrested for suspected murder.

The 23-year-old was reportedly restrained by eye witnesses as he tried to climb over a ledge on the 13th floor before the police arrived.

He also told an eyewitness that he had autism and asked if the eyewitness hated him.

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