23yo charged with murder after fatal stabbing of elderly resident at Marine Parade condo; sought death penalty

SINGAPORE: A 23-year-old man was charged in court on 15 November 2025 with the murder of Tham Lup Hong, 68, at Laguna Park condominium in Marine Parade.

According to court documents, Yeo Tze How is accused of committing the offence at the lift lobby on the 13th floor of Block 5000C Marine Parade Road between 12.20pm and 12.45pm on 13 November.

The police said the two individuals were allegedly involved in a dispute before the incident.

Tham was found unconscious and sent to Changi General Hospital, where he later died.

Local media reported that officers initially arrested Yeo for voluntarily causing grievous hurt by dangerous weapons or means.

The police seized two penknives from the scene. These were taken in as case exhibits pending forensic analysis.

During his court appearance via video link on 15 November, Yeo reportedly asked the judge to sentence him to death.

The prosecution informed him that investigations were still in progress. They added that sentencing could not take place until the case was concluded.

Prosecutors applied for Yeo to be remanded for three weeks for psychiatric evaluation. They stated that this assessment would be conducted at Changi General Hospital.

Yeo asked the court whether the evaluation would take place in prison. He was told that it would be conducted at the hospital instead.

The accused asked in English when sentencing would occur. The court reiterated that the case had not reached that stage.

The hearing concluded in about four minutes once Yeo confirmed he understood the proceedings.

Earlier reports indicated that Yeo is from a special-needs background. Witnesses told Lianhe Zaobao that he had previously described himself as autistic.

This case is the seventh murder reported in 2025. It is also the third murder charge brought within a week.

On 9 November, two men, Tan Boon Hui, 58, and Poh Choon Kiat, 59, were charged with murdering Jaganthan Arunasalam. The incident took place on the 17th floor of Block 51 Chin Swee Road on 8 November.

On 12 November, investigators took Poh back to the crime scene as part of ongoing enquiries. Tan was not brought along as he was hospitalised at the time.

Knife-related offences have risen this year. The police recorded 75 such incidents in the first half of 2025, compared with 59 in the same period in 2024.

There were 131 knife-related incidents reported in 2024. Authorities have stated that public vigilance and early reporting remain critical in preventing such cases.

Yeo's case is expected to be mentioned again on 5 December.

If convicted of murder, he faces the mandatory death penalty under Singapore law.