TNP : Student charged with RV murder had gone to IMH for observation
#1

https://www.tnp.sg/news/singapore/teen-c...bservation

The 16-year-old appeared before a district court via video-link dressed in a red polo shirt.

His hair was dishevelled and his eyes darted around the room as he faced one charge of murdering a 13-year-old at a level-four toilet in the school between 11.16am and 11.44am on Monday.

The accused cannot be named as he is under 18 years of age.

The prosecution asked that the youth be remanded at Complex Medical Centre (CMC) in Changi Prison for psychiatric observation.

The police prosecutor told the court that preliminary investigations revealed the 16-year-old was assessed at the Institute of Mental Health (IMH) in 2019 after he had attempted to commit suicide.

He was taken into custody for his safety, referred to IMH for assessment, then discharged, the prosecutor said.

"Given the circumstances, we are submitting that he requires psychiatric evaluation," he said.

The accused, whose parents were not in court, was represented by lawyer Peter Keith Fernando.

Mr Fernando confirmed that his client's parents had informed him of the suicide attempt, which happened when the boy was in Secondary 2.

The boy will be remanded at CMC for psychiatric observation for three weeks and is scheduled to be in court next on Aug 10.

Those found guilty of murder may receive the death penalty. However, those aged below 18 will not get the death sentence but could be given life imprisonment instead.

In a post on his Facebook page minutes after the boy was charged, Law and Home Affairs Minister K. Shanmugam called the incident "one of the worst things that can happen to parents".

"It's completely shocking because safety is assumed and normally (in Singapore anyway) assured," he wrote.

He added that the alleged attacker is also young and had a history of mental health issues.

AXE SEIZED
Mr Shanmugam also addressed questions about how the boy got an axe, which the police said on Monday they had seized.

"Preliminary investigations suggests that he purchased it online. But we will know the full facts only after investigations are completed," Mr Shanmugam wrote.

He added: "We all grieve with the parents of the boy who was killed. It's difficult to even describe the true extent of their grief."

At about 11.40am on Monday, the police found the younger teenager lying motionless with multiple wounds in a toilet.

He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Investigations revealed that the teenagers are not known to each other.

An axe was also seized as a case exhibit.

Students, their families and staff urged to seek support
Students, their families and teachers affected by the death of a 13-year-old River Valley High School (RVHS) student were urged to seek psychological support as government leaders expressed their sympathies to the boy's family yesterday.

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong wrote on his Facebook page: "We are overwhelmed imagining what the victim's family are going through. Yesterday morning, they sent off their 13-year-old son to school. Suddenly, without any warning, he is no more."

He added that the teachers and students of RVHS are in shock and wrote: "We will help you walk through this dark valley, and come to terms with what has happened."

PM Lee urged the public to wait for the police to finish investigating, uncover the motivations and find out if something could have been done to avert it.

"Let us not worsen the trauma and grief of the affected families with speculation and rumour," he wrote.

Great emphasis is placed on safety in schools, and the well-being of teachers and students, he said.

"Our education system is not only about good academic performance, but also helping our kids to grow into happy and well-adjusted persons."

He urged staff and students to let the principal or school counsellors know if they are aware of a student who seems troubled or under stress.

"If sometimes things seem too much to bear, please remember help is always available, even if it's just to talk to someone about what's on your mind," he wrote, providing a list of helplines.

Education Minister Chan Chun Sing said that the Ministry of Education's (MOE) priority is to ensure the well-being of the school community.

TRAUMA
He announced on his Facebook page yesterday that RVHS students and staff will have access to MOE and school counsellors trained in trauma management over the next few days. They will be stationed at the school.

MOE has also reached out to staff and students affected by the incident.

Parents who feel that their children may need additional support can alert their teachers and schools through helplines that the schools have provided.

"For the longer term, we will continue to keep a close eye on students and staff who are still traumatised or show prolonged distress symptoms, and will refer them to professional help as necessary," said Mr Chan, adding that MOE will work with healthcare agencies and hospitals to render further support.

"As shown by the courage and resilience of the staff and students at RVHS, we will continue to stand strong, on this journey to recovery," he said. - THE STRAITS TIMES

I, being poor, have only my dreams; I have spread my dreams under your feet; Tread softly because you tread on my dreams.
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#2

Question is why the boy's parents are not in court? Really sad for him. He is mentally ill. His parents are not even there to support him. Not passing judgement here but why not appear? He is just a boy who has a mental problem. 

Let's hope this is not the end of his life.
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#3

The home environment is very important.
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#4

Mentally ill but can study and go into good sch like River Valley?
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#5

There is very little for mentally ill.
Insurance does not cover and psychiatric 
treatment is very expensive.

Many mentally ill are not properly treated.

I, being poor, have only my dreams; I have spread my dreams under your feet; Tread softly because you tread on my dreams.
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#6

(21-07-2021, 12:07 PM)RichDad Wrote:  Question is why the boy's parents are not in court? Really sad for him. He is mentally ill. His parents are not even there to support him. Not passing judgement here but why not appear? He is just a boy who has a mental problem. 

Let's hope this is not the end of his life.

His parents cld b working overseas?.,

& Even if they were already back in Sg there’s no excuse not to serve the quarantine notice.,
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#7

(21-07-2021, 12:41 PM)AuntyNice Wrote:  
(21-07-2021, 12:07 PM)RichDad Wrote:  Question is why the boy's parents are not in court? Really sad for him. He is mentally ill. His parents are not even there to support him. Not passing judgement here but why not appear? He is just a boy who has a mental problem. 

Let's hope this is not the end of his life.

His parents cld b working overseas?.,

& Even if they were already back in Sg there’s no excuse not to serve the quarantine notice.,

Umm.. could be.  Then no wonder he became mad. Probably too much pressure and he is alone with no parents around. Many unanswered questions. I am not saying this is the case, hope not.

Parents should be mindful not to pressurise their children too much. It may be too late to regret if something bad happens.
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#8

MOE has to implement metal detectors and security check in all secondary schools at the entry point.
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#9

More teens in Singapore seeking help at IMH for school stress

Confused
[+] 1 user Likes ODA TETSURO's post
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#10

(21-07-2021, 12:07 PM)RichDad Wrote:  Question is why the boy's parents are not in court? Really sad for him. He is mentally ill. His parents are not even there to support him. Not passing judgement here but why not appear? He is just a boy who has a mental problem. 

Let's hope this is not the end of his life.

The assailant's parents should also be devastated by the tragedy. Sad
[+] 1 user Likes SotongOngTee's post
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#11

(21-07-2021, 12:56 PM)forum456 Wrote:  MOE has to implement metal detectors and security check in all secondary schools at the entry point.

Can do a buddy or triangle group bag checks to save cost. Easier..
[+] 1 user Likes Niubee's post
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#12

So this case whose fault?..... Undecided

 Thinking is difficult, that's why most people judge
                    Carl Jung
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#13

Stressed and neglected child. Parents might be rich. How come he is able to purchase the Axe online?
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#14

Interestingly, I tried to look for "axe" on Lazada and Shopee. Totally no results. Not even axe brand ointment. Qoo10 still can find. I think the first 2 online shops censor the term already.
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#15

(21-07-2021, 12:07 PM)RichDad Wrote:  Question is why the boy's parents are not in court? Really sad for him. He is mentally ill. His parents are not even there to support him. Not passing judgement here but why not appear? He is just a boy who has a mental problem. 

Let's hope this is not the end of his life.

if the parents went to court, the whole world will know which boy did it.
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#16

(21-07-2021, 01:59 PM)OLT Wrote:  
(21-07-2021, 12:07 PM)RichDad Wrote:  Question is why the boy's parents are not in court? Really sad for him. He is mentally ill. His parents are not even there to support him. Not passing judgement here but why not appear? He is just a boy who has a mental problem. 

Let's hope this is not the end of his life.

if the parents went to court, the whole world will know which boy did it.

Can't be whole world at the court. The boy also appeared at the court. No diff.
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#17

(21-07-2021, 02:15 PM)RichDad Wrote:  
(21-07-2021, 01:59 PM)OLT Wrote:  if the parents went to court, the whole world will know which boy did it.

Can't be whole world at the court. The boy also appeared at the court. No diff.

the boy was trialed thru video link.  his identity is protected. but once the parents attend court, they will be captured on videos outside court. 
and knowing how fast netizens csi pple. it wouldnt take long to know the identity of the boy.
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