Kovan double murder (2013) - Revision history

Dayana Rizal at 02:06, 27 November 2019

2019-11-27T02:06:14Z

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	Two days later, a veteran police officer was arrested in Johor Bahru and extradited to Singapore after a 54-hour manhunt.<ref>Lee, Amanda. “[https://www.todayonline.com/singapore/kovan-murder-suspect-charged Kovan murder suspect charged]”. ''Today.'' July 16, 2013. Accessed 13 November 2019. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.</ref> He was subsequently charged for what the media dubbed as the “Kovan Double Murder”.		Two days later, a veteran police officer, Iskandar Rahmat, was arrested in Johor Bahru and extradited to Singapore after a 54-hour manhunt.<ref>Lee, Amanda. “[https://www.todayonline.com/singapore/kovan-murder-suspect-charged Kovan murder suspect charged]”. ''Today.'' July 16, 2013. Accessed 13 November 2019. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.</ref> He was subsequently charged for what the media dubbed as the “Kovan Double Murder”.

	==Victim profiles==		==Victim profiles==

Dayana Rizal: /* Victim profiles */

2019-11-26T06:49:07Z

Victim profiles

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	Tan Boon Sin was a successful car mechanic turned businessman. He had co-founded Soc Leon Motor Works with a friend and was described as the “ultimate nice guy”.<ref>"[https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/courts-crime/murdered-dad-was-ultimate-nice-guy Murdered dad was 'ultimate nice guy]'". ''The Straits Times''. July 12, 2013. 26 November 2019. Retrieved from thestraitstimes.com.</ref> According to his former business partner, Chong Hoy Song, who had known Tan since 1965:		Tan Boon Sin was a successful car mechanic turned businessman. He had co-founded Soc Leon Motor Works with a friend and was described as the “ultimate nice guy”.<ref>"[https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/courts-crime/murdered-dad-was-ultimate-nice-guy Murdered dad was 'ultimate nice guy]'". ''The Straits Times''. July 12, 2013. 26 November 2019. Retrieved from thestraitstimes.com.</ref> According to his former business partner, Chong Hoy Song, who had known Tan since 1965:
	“He did not drink, smoke, gamble or womanise. The only thing he liked doing was fishing.”<ref>"[https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/courts-crime/murdered-dad-was-ultimate-nice-guy Murdered dad was 'ultimate nice guy]'". ''The Straits Times''. July 12, 2013. 26 November 2019. Retrieved from thestraitstimes.com.</ref>		“He did not drink, smoke, gamble or womanise. The only thing he liked doing was fishing.”<ref>"[https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/courts-crime/murdered-dad-was-ultimate-nice-guy Murdered dad was 'ultimate nice guy]'". ''The Straits Times''. July 12, 2013. 26 November 2019. Retrieved from thestraitstimes.com.</ref>
	~~According to a fellow fishing enthusiast,~~ Tan ~~had booked tickets for~~ a ~~fishing trip with their group of 10 to Kuching, Sarawak for 15 July 2013~~.<ref>"[https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/courts-crime/murdered-dad-was-ultimate-nice-guy Murdered dad was 'ultimate nice guy]'". ''The Straits Times''. July 12, 2013. 26 November 2019. Retrieved from thestraitstimes.com.</ref> ~~He was remembered as a “very nice person” and was “well-liked” by his neighbours and friends.~~		Tan Boon Sin was remembered as a “very nice person” and was “well-liked” by his neighbours and friends.<ref>"[https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/courts-crime/murdered-dad-was-ultimate-nice-guy Murdered dad was 'ultimate nice guy]'". ''The Straits Times''. July 12, 2013. 26 November 2019. Retrieved from thestraitstimes.com.</ref>

	===Tan Chee Heong===		===Tan Chee Heong===
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	===Getaway car===		===Getaway car===
	Based on eyewitness reports, the suspect was seen driving a silver Toyota Camry that belonged to Tan Boon Sin. This car ~~had also~~ dragged Tan Chee Heong along Upper Serangoon Road. The police could not initially identify the driver however, they found the vehicle in Eunos a day later.<ref>Jalelah Abu Baker. “[https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/courts-crime/car-found-in-eunos-search-on-for-kovan-killer Car found in Eunos, search on for Kovan killer]”. ''The Straits Times.'' July 12, 2013. Accessed 14 November 2019. Retrieved from straitstimes.com.</ref>		Based on eyewitness reports, the suspect was seen driving a silver Toyota Camry that belonged to Tan Boon Sin. This was the car that dragged Tan Chee Heong along Upper Serangoon Road. The police could not initially identify the driver however, they found the vehicle in Eunos a day later.<ref>Jalelah Abu Baker. “[https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/courts-crime/car-found-in-eunos-search-on-for-kovan-killer Car found in Eunos, search on for Kovan killer]”. ''The Straits Times.'' July 12, 2013. Accessed 14 November 2019. Retrieved from straitstimes.com.</ref>

Dayana Rizal: /* Marital and financial problems */

2019-11-26T05:48:55Z

Marital and financial problems

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	Iskandar was placed on “administrative duties” and barred from carrying a weapon after his financial status was made known in the police force.<ref>Jennifer Dhanaraj. “From elite cop to disgraced bankrupt”. ''The New Paper.'' July 14, 2013. Accessed 13 November 2019. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.</ref> He had also been facing internal disciplinary proceedings as he had failed to declare his financial status. In turn, this would have possibly cost him his job.<ref>“‘I was fearing for my life’: Kovan double murders accused claims self-defence”. ''Channel News Asia.'' October 30, 2015. Accessed 13 November 2019. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.</ref>		In January 2013, Iskandar was placed on “administrative duties” and barred from carrying a weapon after his financial status was made known in the police force.<ref>Jennifer Dhanaraj. “From elite cop to disgraced bankrupt”. ''The New Paper.'' July 14, 2013. Accessed 13 November 2019. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.</ref> He had also been facing internal disciplinary proceedings as he had failed to declare his financial status. In turn, this would have possibly cost him his job.<ref>“‘I was fearing for my life’: Kovan double murders accused claims self-defence”. ''Channel News Asia.'' October 30, 2015. Accessed 13 November 2019. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.</ref>

	==The crime==		==The crime==

Dayana Rizal at 05:37, 26 November 2019

2019-11-26T05:37:36Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:37, 26 November 2019
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	===Tan Boon Sin===		===Tan Boon Sin===
	[[File:Tan Boon Sin Kovan Double Murder.jpg\|thumb\|''Tan Boon Sin was the first victim of the Kovan double murder case. Photo from [https://www.asiaone.com/static/multimedia/gallery/130713_kovan/pic5.html The New Paper].'']]		[[File:Tan Boon Sin Kovan Double Murder.jpg\|thumb\|''Tan Boon Sin was the first victim of the Kovan double murder case. Photo from [https://www.asiaone.com/static/multimedia/gallery/130713_kovan/pic5.html The New Paper].'']]
	Tan Boon Sin was a successful car mechanic turned businessman. He had co-founded Soc Leon Motor Works with a friend and was described as the “ultimate nice guy”. According to his former business partner, Chong Hoy Song, who had known Tan since 1965:		Tan Boon Sin was a successful car mechanic turned businessman. He had co-founded Soc Leon Motor Works with a friend and was described as the “ultimate nice guy”.<ref>"[https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/courts-crime/murdered-dad-was-ultimate-nice-guy Murdered dad was 'ultimate nice guy]'". ''The Straits Times''. July 12, 2013. 26 November 2019. Retrieved from thestraitstimes.com.</ref> According to his former business partner, Chong Hoy Song, who had known Tan since 1965:
	“He did not drink, smoke, gamble or womanise. The only thing he liked doing was fishing.”		“He did not drink, smoke, gamble or womanise. The only thing he liked doing was fishing.”<ref>"[https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/courts-crime/murdered-dad-was-ultimate-nice-guy Murdered dad was 'ultimate nice guy]'". ''The Straits Times''. July 12, 2013. 26 November 2019. Retrieved from thestraitstimes.com.</ref>
	According to a fellow fishing enthusiast, Tan had booked tickets for a fishing trip with their group of 10 to Kuching, Sarawak for 15 July 2013. He was remembered as a “very nice person” and was “well-liked” by his neighbours and friends.		According to a fellow fishing enthusiast, Tan had booked tickets for a fishing trip with their group of 10 to Kuching, Sarawak for 15 July 2013.<ref>"[https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/courts-crime/murdered-dad-was-ultimate-nice-guy Murdered dad was 'ultimate nice guy]'". ''The Straits Times''. July 12, 2013. 26 November 2019. Retrieved from thestraitstimes.com.</ref> He was remembered as a “very nice person” and was “well-liked” by his neighbours and friends.

	===Tan Chee Heong===		===Tan Chee Heong===
	The eldest son to Tan Boon Sin, Tan Chee Heong was a university graduate and married with two children. He was also the Director and a shareholder of Aspern Singapore, an electronics products company.		The eldest son to Tan Boon Sin, Tan Chee Heong was a university graduate and married with two children.<ref>"[https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/courts-crime/murdered-dad-was-ultimate-nice-guy Murdered dad was 'ultimate nice guy]'". ''The Straits Times''. July 12, 2013. 26 November 2019. Retrieved from thestraitstimes.com.</ref> He was also the Director and a shareholder of Aspern Singapore, an electronics products company.<ref>"[https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/courts-crime/older-victim-took-out-items-from-safe-deposit-box Older victim took out items 'from safe deposit box']". ''The Straits Times''. July 13, 2013. Accessed on 26 November 2019. Retrieved from thestraitstimes.com.</ref>

	==Investigation details==		==Investigation details==

Dayana Rizal at 05:26, 26 November 2019

2019-11-26T05:26:49Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:26, 26 November 2019
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	[[File:Kovan Double Murder trail of blood.jpg\|thumb\|''The trail of blood pictured along Upper Serangoon Road. Photo from [https://www.asiaone.com/News/Latest%2BNews/Singapore/Story/A1Story20130714-437046.html The New Paper].'']]		[[File:Kovan Double Murder trail of blood.jpg\|thumb\|''The trail of blood pictured along Upper Serangoon Road. Photo from [https://www.asiaone.com/News/Latest%2BNews/Singapore/Story/A1Story20130714-437046.html The New Paper].'']]On 10 July 2013, shocked onlookers witnessed a body being dragged underneath a car as it sped along Upper Serangoon Road. The body was eventually dislodged and found near Kovan MRT Station. The police followed the blood trail and arrived at 14J Hillside Drive where they discovered an elderly man who had been stabbed to death. The man was believed to be the deceased’s father.<ref>Jalelah Abu Baker and David Ee. “[https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/courts-crime/father-and-son-found-dead-in-kovan Father and son found dead in Kovan]”. ''The Straits Times.'' July 11, 2013. Accessed 14 November 2019. Retrieved from straitstimes.com.</ref>
	On 10 July 2013, shocked onlookers witnessed a body being dragged underneath a car as it sped along Upper Serangoon Road. The body was eventually dislodged and found near Kovan MRT Station. The police followed the blood trail and arrived at 14J Hillside Drive where they discovered an elderly man who had been stabbed to death. The man was believed to be the deceased’s father.<ref>Jalelah Abu Baker and David Ee. “[https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/courts-crime/father-and-son-found-dead-in-kovan Father and son found dead in Kovan]”. ''The Straits Times.'' July 11, 2013. Accessed 14 November 2019. Retrieved from straitstimes.com.</ref> Two days later, a veteran police officer ~~who had been working in the force for 14 years~~ was arrested in ~~Malaysia~~ and extradited to Singapore after a 54-hour manhunt.<ref>Lee, Amanda. “[https://www.todayonline.com/singapore/kovan-murder-suspect-charged Kovan murder suspect charged]”. ''Today.'' July 16, 2013. Accessed 13 November 2019. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.</ref> He was subsequently charged for what the media dubbed as the “Kovan Double Murder”.

			Two days later, a veteran police officer was arrested in Johor Bahru and extradited to Singapore after a 54-hour manhunt.<ref>Lee, Amanda. “[https://www.todayonline.com/singapore/kovan-murder-suspect-charged Kovan murder suspect charged]”. ''Today.'' July 16, 2013. Accessed 13 November 2019. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.</ref> He was subsequently charged for what the media dubbed as the “Kovan Double Murder”.

	==Victim profiles==		==Victim profiles==

Dayana Rizal: /* Verdict (December 2015) */

2019-11-26T05:25:39Z

Verdict (December 2015)

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Dayana Rizal: Created page with "File:Kovan Double Murder trail of blood.jpg|thumb|''The trail of blood pictured along Upper Serangoon Road. Photo from [https://www.asiaone.com/News/Latest%2BNews/Singapore/..."

2019-11-26T05:25:13Z

Created page with "File:Kovan Double Murder trail of blood.jpg|thumb|''The trail of blood pictured along Upper Serangoon Road. Photo from [https://www.asiaone.com/News/Latest%2BNews/Singapore/..."

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[[File:Kovan Double Murder trail of blood.jpg|thumb|''The trail of blood pictured along Upper Serangoon Road. Photo from [https://www.asiaone.com/News/Latest%2BNews/Singapore/Story/A1Story20130714-437046.html The New Paper].'']]
On 10 July 2013, shocked onlookers witnessed a body being dragged underneath a car as it sped along Upper Serangoon Road. The body was eventually dislodged and found near Kovan MRT Station. The police followed the blood trail and arrived at 14J Hillside Drive where they discovered an elderly man who had been stabbed to death. The man was believed to be the deceased’s father.<ref>Jalelah Abu Baker and David Ee. “[https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/courts-crime/father-and-son-found-dead-in-kovan Father and son found dead in Kovan]”. ''The Straits Times.'' July 11, 2013. Accessed 14 November 2019. Retrieved from straitstimes.com.</ref> Two days later, a veteran police officer who had been working in the force for 14 years was arrested in Malaysia and extradited to Singapore after a 54-hour manhunt.<ref>Lee, Amanda. “[https://www.todayonline.com/singapore/kovan-murder-suspect-charged Kovan murder suspect charged]”. ''Today.'' July 16, 2013. Accessed 13 November 2019. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.</ref> He was subsequently charged for what the media dubbed as the “Kovan Double Murder”.

== Victim profiles ==

=== Tan Boon Sin ===
[[File:Tan Boon Sin Kovan Double Murder.jpg|thumb|''Tan Boon Sin was the first victim of the Kovan double murder case. Photo from [https://www.asiaone.com/static/multimedia/gallery/130713_kovan/pic5.html The New Paper].'']]
Tan Boon Sin was a successful car mechanic turned businessman. He had co-founded Soc Leon Motor Works with a friend and was described as the “ultimate nice guy”. According to his former business partner, Chong Hoy Song, who had known Tan since 1965:
“He did not drink, smoke, gamble or womanise. The only thing he liked doing was fishing.”
According to a fellow fishing enthusiast, Tan had booked tickets for a fishing trip with their group of 10 to Kuching, Sarawak for 15 July 2013. He was remembered as a “very nice person” and was “well-liked” by his neighbours and friends.

=== Tan Chee Heong ===
The eldest son to Tan Boon Sin, Tan Chee Heong was a university graduate and married with two children. He was also the Director and a shareholder of Aspern Singapore, an electronics products company.

== Investigation details ==
[[File:Kovan double murder car.jpg|thumb|''The getaway car that had belonged to the Tan family. Photo from [https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/courts-crime/car-found-in-eunos-search-on-for-kovan-killer The Straits Times].'']]

=== Getaway car ===
Based on eyewitness reports, the suspect was seen driving a silver Toyota Camry that belonged to Tan Boon Sin. This car had also dragged Tan Chee Heong along Upper Serangoon Road. The police could not initially identify the driver however, they found the vehicle in Eunos a day later.<ref>Jalelah Abu Baker. “[https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/courts-crime/car-found-in-eunos-search-on-for-kovan-killer Car found in Eunos, search on for Kovan killer]”. ''The Straits Times.'' July 12, 2013. Accessed 14 November 2019. Retrieved from straitstimes.com.</ref>

The abandoned car was parked outside Block 1084, Eunos Avenue 7A, just a kilometre away from Tan Boon Sin’s former workshop. The police arrived after receiving a call from Francis Yeo, a carpenter, regarding a blood-stained car with the licence number SGM14J.<ref>Jalelah Abu Baker. “[https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/courts-crime/car-found-in-eunos-search-on-for-kovan-killer Car found in Eunos, search on for Kovan killer]”. ''The Straits Times.'' July 12, 2013. Accessed 14 November 2019. Retrieved from straitstimes.com.</ref>

=== Arrest of suspect in Johor Bahru ===
On 12 July 2013, Malaysian plainclothes officers moved in on Iskandar bin Rahmat at Restoran Singgah Selalu in Danga Bay, a waterfront area just minutes from the Causeway.<ref>Lim, Joyce. “[https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/courts-crime/arrested-at-popular-jb-eatery Arrested at popular JB eatery]”. ''The Straits Times.'' July 14, 2013. Accessed 14 November 2019. Retrieved from straitstimes.com.</ref> According to the restaurant’s manager, Mohamed Faizal, the Malaysian policemen surrounded Iskandar swiftly and the latter had not resisted arrest. He was extradited to Singapore about 12 hours later and taken to the Police Cantonment Complex.<ref>Lim, Joyce. “[https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/courts-crime/arrested-at-popular-jb-eatery Arrested at popular JB eatery]”. ''The Straits Times.'' July 14, 2013. Accessed 14 November 2019. Retrieved from straitstimes.com.</ref>

== Iskandar Rahmat ==
[[File:Iskandar Rahmat Kovan Double Murder.jpg|thumb|''A younger Iskandar Rahmat. Photo from [https://www.asiaone.com/static/multimedia/gallery/130713_kovan/pic2.html The New Paper].'']]
According to his friends, Iskandar was someone who was “friendly” and “likes to joke”. He was also a photography enthusiast. He “never lets go of his camera” and pursued photography as a hobby.<ref>Nurul ‘Ain Razali. “Kes pembunuhan dua beranak di Kovan; Suspek hadapi masalah hutang”. ''Berita Minggu.'' July 14, 2013. Accessed 14 November 2019. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.</ref>

=== Police veteran ===
Iskandar studied electronics at Singapore Polytechnic in 1997. However, he did not complete his education. In March 1999, he started working in the Singapore Police Force and rose to the rank of Staff Sergeant.<ref>Nurul ‘Ain Razali. “Kes pembunuhan dua beranak di Kovan; Suspek hadapi masalah hutang”. ''Berita Minggu.'' July 14, 2013. Accessed 14 November 2019. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.</ref> He was a Senior Investigation Officer and was based at Bedok North Neighbourhood Police Centre under the Bedok Police division. He regularly won commendations and was recognised as a model officer on the police website.<ref>Jennifer Dhanaraj. “From elite cop to disgraced bankrupt”. ''The New Paper.'' July 14, 2013. Accessed 13 November 2019. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.</ref>

=== Marital and financial problems ===
Iskandar got married in 2003. However, financial and marital problems culminated in his divorce in 2005. He had no children.<ref>“Former police officer on trial over Kovan double murders”. ''Channel News Asia.'' October 20, 2015. Accessed 13 November 2019. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.</ref> After his divorce in 2005, Iskandar’s financial problems meant that he could not meet his housing and car loan repayments. The bank seized his assets but he continued to owe them more than S$60,000.<ref>“Former police officer on trial over Kovan double murders”. ''Channel News Asia.'' October 20, 2015. Accessed 13 November 2019. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.</ref>

Iskandar was placed on “administrative duties” and barred from carrying a weapon after his financial status was made known in the police force.<ref>Jennifer Dhanaraj. “From elite cop to disgraced bankrupt”. ''The New Paper.'' July 14, 2013. Accessed 13 November 2019. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.</ref> He had also been facing internal disciplinary proceedings as he had failed to declare his financial status. In turn, this would have possibly cost him his job.<ref>“‘I was fearing for my life’: Kovan double murders accused claims self-defence”. ''Channel News Asia.'' October 30, 2015. Accessed 13 November 2019. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.</ref>

== The crime ==
[[File:Kovan double murder route.jpg|thumb|''The route that Iskandar Rahmat had taken after the murders. Photo from [https://www.asiaone.com/static/multimedia/gallery/130711_kovan2/pic33.html The New Paper].'']]
Iskandar Rahmat was charged with two counts of murder. His 9-day trial commenced in October 2015. The court heard of Iskandar’s initial meeting with Tan Boon Sin and the events leading up to the murders.

=== Initial meeting (November 2012) ===
Iskandar first met Tan Boon Sin at Bedok Police Division in November 2012. At the time, Tan Boon Sin had lodged a report over the theft of S$35,000 from his Certis CISCO safe deposit box. Iskandar had been the Investigating Officer in charge of Tan’s case. During his investigation, he believed that Tan had another S$200,000 in the box.<ref>“Former police officer on trial over Kovan double murders”. ''Channel News Asia.'' October 20, 2015. Accessed 13 November 2019. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.</ref>

=== The planned robbery (July 2013) ===
[[File:Kovan Double Murder site.jpg|thumb|''The murders occurred within the terrace house compound of the Tan's residence (pictured). Photo from [https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/courts-crime/father-and-son-found-dead-in-kovan The Straits Times].'']]
A week before the murder, Iskandar offered the bank a lump sum cash settlement of S$50,000 to avert bankruptcy. This agreement was made even though he had less than S$400 in cash at that time.<ref>“Former police officer on trial over Kovan double murders”. ''Channel News Asia.'' October 20, 2015. Accessed 13 November 2019. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.</ref> According to Iskandar, his plan to rob Tan was a “passing idea” after he had found out about the remaining amount in Tan’s deposit box.<ref>“‘I was fearing for my life’: Kovan double murders accused claims self-defence”. ''Channel News Asia.'' October 30, 2015. Accessed 13 November 2019. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.</ref> Iskandar was declared bankrupt a day after the murders.<ref>Jennifer Dhanaraj. “From elite cop to disgraced bankrupt”. ''The New Paper.'' July 14, 2013. Accessed 13 November 2019. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.</ref>

On 10 July 2013, Iskandar, posing as an officer from the Police Intelligence Department, called Tan Boon Sin from a payphone. Over the call, Iskandar told Tan Boon Sin that he had received a tip-off that his safe deposit box was going to be broken into. As such, he needed him to empty the box and place a CCTV camera - which would be a dummy - in the box. Tan Boon Sin agreed to Iskandar’s plan. Iskandar also offered to escort him back home after he retrieved his valuables.<ref>“Former police officer on trial over Kovan double murders”. ''Channel News Asia.'' October 20, 2015. Accessed 13 November 2019. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.</ref>

=== The murders (July 2013) ===
Upon reaching Tan Boon Sin’s home, Iskandar allegedly planned to “take the bag and run”. However, a scuffle ensued and Iskandar stabbed him. Tan Boon Sin’s eldest son, Tan Chee Heong, stepped inside the house to witness Iskandar putting down his father’s limp body. A second struggle occurred and Iskandar stabbed the younger Tan.<ref>“‘I was fearing for my life’: Kovan double murders accused claims self-defence”. ''Channel News Asia.'' October 30, 2015. Accessed 13 November 2019. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.</ref>

While it was unclear what occurred afterwards, eye-witnesses reported a body being dragged under a silver Toyota Camry along Upper Serangoon Road. Tan Chee Heong’s body was dragged for more than 1km until he was dislodged about a kilometre away from Kovan MRT station.<ref>Tang, Louisa. “[https://www.todayonline.com/singapore/kovan-double-murder-high-court-dismisses-ex-cops-appeal-his-lawyers-face-disciplinary Kovan double murder: High Court dismisses ex-cop’s appeal for his lawyers to face disciplinary tribunal]”. ''Today.'' October 11, 2019. Accessed 14 November 2019. Retrieved from todayonline.com.</ref>

=== Escape and capture ===
Iskandar told the police and the court that he threw the knife and his bloodied clothes into a canal in East Coast Park. Following that, he went home and fled to Johor Bahru on his scooter.<ref>Teo Xuanwei. “[http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/today20151021-1.2.4?ST=1&AT=search&k=kovan+double+murders&P=2&Display=0&filterS=0&QT=kovan,double,murders&oref=article Kovan murder trial: Accused ‘hatched intricate robbery plot’]“. ''Today.'' October 21, 2015. Accessed 13 November 2019. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.</ref> On 12 July 2013, he was arrested at a restaurant in Danga Bay and was extradited to Singapore the following day.<ref>“Suspect in Kovan double murders in S’pore police custody”. ''Channel News Asia.'' July 13, 2013. Accessed 13 November 2019. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.</ref>

== Iskandar's defence ==

=== "Self-defence" claims ===
While Iskandar did not dispute that the wounds he had inflicted caused their deaths, he insisted that he had not intended to kill them.<ref>“‘I was fearing for my life’: Kovan double murders accused claims self-defence”. ''Channel News Asia.'' October 30, 2015. Accessed 13 November 2019. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.</ref> In his words, he stated that:
“If I had the intention to kill, I would have done it the moment I arrived at the house.”<ref>“‘I was fearing for my life’: Kovan double murders accused claims self-defence”. ''Channel News Asia.'' October 30, 2015. Accessed 13 November 2019. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.</ref>
Iskandar claimed that Tan Boon Sin had been the one to brandish the knife after discovering Iskandar’s plan. The knife had allegedly been taken from Tan’s kitchen. According to Iskandar, Tan aggressively approached him with the knife and in the struggle, Iskandar grabbed hold of the knife and accidentally stabbed him. When Tan Chee Heong entered the house, he lunged at Iskandar intending to punch him. When Iskandar punched him back, he “did not realise that he still had the knife in his hand”.<ref>“‘I was fearing for my life’: Kovan double murders accused claims self-defence”. ''Channel News Asia.'' October 30, 2015. Accessed 13 November 2019. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.</ref>

Iskandar attempted to build his defence based on the wounds that he had sustained during the scuffle and the unconfirmed origins of the murder weapon.<ref>Teo Xuanwei. “[http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/today20151021-1.2.4?ST=1&AT=search&k=kovan+double+murders&P=2&Display=0&filterS=0&QT=kovan,double,murders&oref=article Kovan murder trial: Accused ‘hatched intricate robbery plot’]". ''Today.'' October 21, 2015. Accessed 13 November 2019. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.</ref> As the knife was never recovered, the defence could make a case about the origins of the murder weapon. In his statement, Iskandar stated the following:
“If I had a knife with me, I would expect blood. But I didn’t bring any extra clothes with me, I didn’t prepare a getaway car near the house. I planned to run out of the house and hail a cab. If I had the intention to kill… with a knife, I would know (that there would be) blood on myself. How am I going to go to the main road and hail a cab with blood on my clothes.”<ref>“‘I was fearing for my life’: Kovan double murders accused claims self-defence”. ''Channel News Asia.'' October 30, 2015. Accessed 13 November 2019. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.</ref>

=== Prosecution's rebuttal ===
Upon hearing the defence, the prosecution argued that based on the extent of the injuries inflicted on the Tans, Iskandar had attacked to silence them.<ref>“Kovan double murders: Ex-cop silenced his victims after robbery, prosecution says”. ''Channel News Asia.'' November 9, 2015. Accessed 13 November 2019. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.</ref> It was revealed in court that Tan Boon Sin was stabbed more than 20 times on “vulnerable areas” such as his neck and face. Similarly, his son was stabbed at least 11 times on his scalp, face and neck. As such, the prosecution argued that Iskandar’s actions contradicted his self-defence claims.<ref>“Former police officer on trial over Kovan double murders”. ''Channel News Asia.'' October 20, 2015. Accessed 13 November 2019. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.</ref>

The prosecution also highlighted several inconsistencies in Iskandar’s story. According to the prosecution, Iskandar’s plan to “just run” would not have worked because the crime would be reported. Consequently, the police report would link back to him as he had handled Tan’s case in 2012.<ref>“Kovan double murders: Ex-cop silenced his victims after robbery, prosecution says”. ''Channel News Asia.'' November 9, 2015. Accessed 13 November 2019. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.</ref> Moreover, the prosecution noted that Iskandar could give a sketch of the serrated knife, implying that the knowledge would only be known if the knife belonged to him.<ref>Teo Xuanwei. “[http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/today20151021-1.2.4?ST=1&AT=search&k=kovan+double+murders&P=2&Display=0&filterS=0&QT=kovan,double,murders&oref=article Kovan murder trial: Accused ‘hatched intricate robbery plot’]". ''Today.'' October 21, 2015. Accessed 13 November 2019. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.</ref>

== Verdict (December 2015) ==
On 4 December 2015, the High Court found Iskandar guilty of both charges in the Kovan double murders and sentenced him to hang. The judge rejected Iskandar’s defence stating that based on the evidence put forth by the prosecution, the former police officer had attacked the Tans “cruelly and relentlessly with the clear intention of causing death.”<ref>Lum, Selina. “[https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/courts-crime/kovan-double-murder-iskandar-found-guilty-of-murder-of-both-victims-sentenced Kovan double murders: Iskandar found guilty of murder of both victims, sentenced to hang]”. ''The Straits Times.'' December 4, 2015. Accessed 13 November 2019. Retrieved from straitstimes.com.</ref>

=== Appeal ===
[[File:Iskandar Rahmat 2017.jpg|thumb|''Iskandar Rahmat pictured in 2017. Photo from [https://www.beritaharian.sg/setempat/iskandar-dakwa-tikam-pasangan-bapa-dan-anak-demi-pertahan-diri Berita Harian].'']]
Iskandar’s lawyers filed an appeal against the sentence. They urged the court to consider two new pieces of evidence - a forensic pathology report and a psychiatric report - and argued that “the murder convictions should be overturned and replaced with reduced charges.”<ref>“Ex-policeman appeals to escape death penalty for Kovan double murders”. ''Channel News Asia.'' October 26, 2016. Accessed 13 November 2019. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.</ref> According to the pathology report, Iskandar did suffer defensive injuries. This implicated Tan Boon Sin as the aggressor and supported Iskandar's self-defence claims. The psychiatric report revealed that Iskandar was diagnosed with two mental illnesses at the time of the murders.<ref>“Ex-policeman appeals to escape death penalty for Kovan double murders”. ''Channel News Asia.'' October 26, 2016. Accessed 13 November 2019. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.</ref>

However, the prosecution called the reports “unreliable” and “self-serving” as they were prepared more than 3 years after the killings and more than eight months after the trial.<ref>“Ex-policeman appeals to escape death penalty for Kovan double murders”. ''Channel News Asia.'' October 26, 2016. Accessed 13 November 2019. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.</ref> Thereafter, his appeal was rejected. Following that, Iskandar petitioned to President Halimah Yacob for clemency but was rejected.<ref>K.C. Vijayan. “[https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/courts-crime/kovan-double-murder-ex-cop-fails-in-his-bid-to-be-spared-the-gallows Kovan double murders: Ex-cop fails in his bid to be spared the gallows]”. ''The Straits Times.'' August 1, 2019. Accessed 13 November 2019. Retrieved from straitstimes.com.</ref>

=== Complaint against defence lawyers ===
Iskandar filed a complaint against his lawyers in June 2019. The Law Society (LawSoc) turned down his complaint after an inquiry committee recommended that “no further action was necessary.” Iskandar then filed to have the decision reviewed and the case referred to a disciplinary tribunal.<ref>Tang, Louisa. “[https://www.todayonline.com/singapore/kovan-double-murder-high-court-dismisses-ex-cops-appeal-his-lawyers-face-disciplinary Kovan double murder: High Court dismisses ex-cop’s appeal for his lawyers to face disciplinary tribunal]”. ''Today.'' October 12, 2019. Accessed 14 November 2019. Retrieved from todayonline.com.</ref>

On 12 October 2019, the High Court rejected his complaint. Justice Valerie Thean ruled that the inquiry committee’s report and LawSoc decision were sound and that there was “no prima facie case of ethical breach or other misconduct” by his lawyers that warranted a formal investigation.<ref>Tang, Louisa. “[https://www.todayonline.com/singapore/kovan-double-murder-high-court-dismisses-ex-cops-appeal-his-lawyers-face-disciplinary Kovan double murder: High Court dismisses ex-cop’s appeal for his lawyers to face disciplinary tribunal]”. ''Today.'' October 12, 2019. Accessed 14 November 2019. Retrieved from todayonline.com.</ref>

== References / Citations ==
[[Category:Newsworthy Incidents]]