Orchard Towers murder (2019): Difference between revisions

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[[File:Orchard Towers murder CCTV footage.jpg|thumb|''CCTV footage of the perpetrators. Screengrab from [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ly-mlzoMA4 YouTube video].'']]
[[File:Orchard Towers murder CCTV footage.jpg|thumb|''CCTV footage of the perpetrators. Screengrab from [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ly-mlzoMA4 YouTube video].'']]
===CCTV footage of the attack===
===CCTV footage of the attack===
On 2 July 2019 at 6.15 am, ten individuals were seen walking towards the entrance of Orchard Towers. Satheesh Noel Gobidass was seen coming down the escalator and then confronting a member of the group. The confrontation escalated into physical blows and the rest of the group joined the fight.<ref>The Must Share News Team. “We Fact-Checked The Orchard Towers Murder Case To Separate Fact From Speculation”. ''MustShareNews.'' July 14, 2019. Accessed October 16, 2019. Retrieved from: https://mustsharenews.com/orchard-towers-murder-video/</ref> Sateesh was then shown backing off from the group before tailing them to the entrance of Orchard Towers only to suddenly collapse on the floor.<ref>The Must Share News Team. “We Fact-Checked The Orchard Towers Murder Case To Separate Fact From Speculation”. ''MustShareNews.'' July 14, 2019. Accessed October 16, 2019. Retrieved from: https://mustsharenews.com/orchard-towers-murder-video/</ref> Bystanders were seen trying to help staunch the bleeding from his neck.<ref>Wong, Cara. “Seven charged with murder of man, 31, at Orchard Towers”. ''The Straits Times.'' July 05, 2019. Accessed October 16, 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/courts-crime/seven-charged-with-murder-of-man-31-at-orchard-towers</ref>
On 2 July 2019 at 6.15 am, ten individuals were seen walking towards the entrance of Orchard Towers. Satheesh Noel Gobidass was seen coming down the escalator and then confronting a member of the group. The confrontation escalated into physical blows and the rest of the group joined the fight.<ref>The Must Share News Team. “We Fact-Checked The Orchard Towers Murder Case To Separate Fact From Speculation”. ''MustShareNews.'' July 14, 2019. Accessed October 16, 2019. Retrieved from: https://mustsharenews.com/orchard-towers-murder-video/</ref> Satheesh was then shown backing off from the group before tailing them to the entrance of Orchard Towers only to suddenly collapse on the floor.<ref>The Must Share News Team. “We Fact-Checked The Orchard Towers Murder Case To Separate Fact From Speculation”. ''MustShareNews.'' July 14, 2019. Accessed October 16, 2019. Retrieved from: https://mustsharenews.com/orchard-towers-murder-video/</ref> Bystanders were seen trying to help staunch the bleeding from his neck.<ref>Wong, Cara. “Seven charged with murder of man, 31, at Orchard Towers”. ''The Straits Times.'' July 05, 2019. Accessed October 16, 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/courts-crime/seven-charged-with-murder-of-man-31-at-orchard-towers</ref>
===Police arrival===
===Police arrival===
[[File:Orchard Towers murder entrance.jpg|thumb|''The pile of bloody tissues at the entrance of Orchard Towers. Photo from Channel News Asia.'']]
[[File:Orchard Towers murder entrance.jpg|thumb|''The pile of bloody tissues at the entrance of Orchard Towers. Photo from Channel News Asia.'']]
The police were reportedly contacted at 6.25 am. When they arrived at the scene, they found Sateesh lying motionless on the floor. He was then taken to Tan Tock Seng hospital for treatment however, he was pronounced dead at 7.25 am. The police cordoned off the main entrance and the second floor of Orchard Towers. They interviewed shopkeepers who reportedly heard shouting and fighting earlier that morning.<ref>Wong, Cara. “Seven charged with murder of man, 31, at Orchard Towers”. ''The Straits Times.'' July 05, 2019. Accessed October 16, 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/courts-crime/seven-charged-with-murder-of-man-31-at-orchard-towers</ref> Correspondents from ''The Straits Times'' reported a pool of blood and plenty of blood-soaked tissues at the entrance of Orchard Towers.<ref>Wong, Cara. “Seven charged with murder of man, 31, at Orchard Towers”. ''The Straits Times.'' July 05, 2019. Accessed October 16, 2019. Retrieved from:  https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/courts-crime/seven-charged-with-murder-of-man-31-at-orchard-towers</ref>
The police were reportedly contacted at 6.25 am. When they arrived at the scene, they found Satheesh lying motionless on the floor. He was then taken to Tan Tock Seng hospital for treatment however, he was pronounced dead at 7.25 am. The police cordoned off the main entrance and the second floor of Orchard Towers. They interviewed shopkeepers who reportedly heard shouting and fighting earlier that morning.<ref>Wong, Cara. “Seven charged with murder of man, 31, at Orchard Towers”. ''The Straits Times.'' July 05, 2019. Accessed October 16, 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/courts-crime/seven-charged-with-murder-of-man-31-at-orchard-towers</ref> Correspondents from ''The Straits Times'' reported a pool of blood and plenty of blood-soaked tissues at the entrance of Orchard Towers.<ref>Wong, Cara. “Seven charged with murder of man, 31, at Orchard Towers”. ''The Straits Times.'' July 05, 2019. Accessed October 16, 2019. Retrieved from:  https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/courts-crime/seven-charged-with-murder-of-man-31-at-orchard-towers</ref>
===Arrests===
===Arrests===
Within 12 hours of the incident, the police arrested eight suspects. A spokesperson from the Singapore Police Force told The New Paper that the eighth suspect was a female who was not under remand but is instead assisting the police with investigations.<ref>Kok, Yufeng. “Four of seven murder accused taken back to Orchard Towers”. ''The New Paper.'' July 10, 2019. Accessed October 17, 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.tnp.sg/news/singapore/four-seven-accused-taken-back-orchard-towers</ref>
Within 12 hours of the incident, the police arrested eight suspects. A spokesperson from the Singapore Police Force told The New Paper that the eighth suspect was a female who was not under remand but is instead assisting the police with investigations.<ref>Kok, Yufeng. “Four of seven murder accused taken back to Orchard Towers”. ''The New Paper.'' July 10, 2019. Accessed October 17, 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.tnp.sg/news/singapore/four-seven-accused-taken-back-orchard-towers</ref>
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[[File:Singapore State Courts.png|thumb|''The trials for the Orchard Towers murder are conducted in the Singapore State Courts. Photo from Channel News Asia.'']]
[[File:Singapore State Courts.png|thumb|''The trials for the Orchard Towers murder are conducted in the Singapore State Courts. Photo from Channel News Asia.'']]
===Trial on 5 July 2019===
===Trial on 5 July 2019===
In the first trial, all seven individuals were charged in court with one count each of murder with common intention. According to court documents, they were “members of an unlawful assembly whose common object was to cause hurt” to Mr Sateesh.<ref>Wong, Cara. “Seven charged with murder of man, 31, at Orchard Towers”. ''The Straits Times.'' July 05, 2019. Accessed October 16, 2019. Retrieved from:  https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/courts-crime/seven-charged-with-murder-of-man-31-at-orchard-towers</ref> Natalie Siow Yu Zhen, Joel Tan Yun Sheng, Chan Jia Xing and Ang Da Yuan were physically present in court. Tan Sen Yang, Loo Boon Chong and Tan Hong Sheng were present through a live video feed as they were remanded at the Central Police Station at Cantonment Road.<ref>Wong, Cara. “Seven charged with murder of man, 31, at Orchard Towers”. ''The Straits Times.'' July 05, 2019. Accessed October 16, 2019. Retrieved from:  https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/courts-crime/seven-charged-with-murder-of-man-31-at-orchard-towers</ref>
In the first trial, all seven individuals were charged in court with one count each of murder with common intention. According to court documents, they were “members of an unlawful assembly whose common object was to cause hurt” to Mr Satheesh.<ref>Wong, Cara. “Seven charged with murder of man, 31, at Orchard Towers”. ''The Straits Times.'' July 05, 2019. Accessed October 16, 2019. Retrieved from:  https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/courts-crime/seven-charged-with-murder-of-man-31-at-orchard-towers</ref> Natalie Siow Yu Zhen, Joel Tan Yun Sheng, Chan Jia Xing and Ang Da Yuan were physically present in court. Tan Sen Yang, Loo Boon Chong and Tan Hong Sheng were present through a live video feed as they were remanded at the Central Police Station at Cantonment Road.<ref>Wong, Cara. “Seven charged with murder of man, 31, at Orchard Towers”. ''The Straits Times.'' July 05, 2019. Accessed October 16, 2019. Retrieved from:  https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/courts-crime/seven-charged-with-murder-of-man-31-at-orchard-towers</ref>
===Trial on 11 July 2019 - Tang Hong Sheng, Loo Boo Chong & Chan Jia Xing===
===Trial on 11 July 2019 - Tang Hong Sheng, Loo Boo Chong & Chan Jia Xing===
On 11 July, Tan Hong Sheng, Loo Boo Chong and Chan Jia Xing were acquitted of murder.<ref>Alkhatib, Shaffiq. “Murder charges withdrawn for three men allegedly linked to Orchard Towers death”. ''The Straits Times.'' July 11, 2019. Accessed October 17, 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/courts-crime/murder-charges-withdrawn-for-three-men-allegedly-linked-to-orchard-towers</ref> Their charges were reclassified from murder to consorting with a person carrying an offensive weapon in public. They could not be charged again with the same murder offence.<ref>Alkhatib, Shaffiq. “Murder charges withdrawn for three men allegedly linked to Orchard Towers death”. ''The Straits Times.'' July 11, 2019. Accessed October 17, 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/courts-crime/murder-charges-withdrawn-for-three-men-allegedly-linked-to-orchard-towers</ref> According to court documents, the three individuals were allegedly found in the company of Tan Sen Yang, who had a ''kerambit'' knife at the Naughty Girl Club on the second storey of Orchard Towers.<ref>Alkhatib, Shaffiq. “Murder charges withdrawn for three men allegedly linked to Orchard Towers death”. ''The Straits Times.'' July 11, 2019. Accessed October 17, 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/courts-crime/murder-charges-withdrawn-for-three-men-allegedly-linked-to-orchard-towers</ref> The knife was allegedly the weapon that seriously wounded Sateesh. The ''kerambit'' knife is said to be a curved knife resembling a claw.<ref>Alkhatib, Shaffiq. “Murder charges withdrawn for three men allegedly linked to Orchard Towers death”. ''The Straits Times.'' July 11, 2019. Accessed October 17, 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/courts-crime/murder-charges-withdrawn-for-three-men-allegedly-linked-to-orchard-towers</ref>
On 11 July, Tan Hong Sheng, Loo Boo Chong and Chan Jia Xing were acquitted of murder.<ref>Alkhatib, Shaffiq. “Murder charges withdrawn for three men allegedly linked to Orchard Towers death”. ''The Straits Times.'' July 11, 2019. Accessed October 17, 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/courts-crime/murder-charges-withdrawn-for-three-men-allegedly-linked-to-orchard-towers</ref> Their charges were reclassified from murder to consorting with a person carrying an offensive weapon in public. They could not be charged again with the same murder offence.<ref>Alkhatib, Shaffiq. “Murder charges withdrawn for three men allegedly linked to Orchard Towers death”. ''The Straits Times.'' July 11, 2019. Accessed October 17, 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/courts-crime/murder-charges-withdrawn-for-three-men-allegedly-linked-to-orchard-towers</ref> According to court documents, the three individuals were allegedly found in the company of Tan Sen Yang, who had a ''kerambit'' knife at the Naughty Girl Club on the second storey of Orchard Towers.<ref>Alkhatib, Shaffiq. “Murder charges withdrawn for three men allegedly linked to Orchard Towers death”. ''The Straits Times.'' July 11, 2019. Accessed October 17, 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/courts-crime/murder-charges-withdrawn-for-three-men-allegedly-linked-to-orchard-towers</ref> The knife was allegedly the weapon that seriously wounded Satheesh. The ''kerambit'' knife is said to be a curved knife resembling a claw.<ref>Alkhatib, Shaffiq. “Murder charges withdrawn for three men allegedly linked to Orchard Towers death”. ''The Straits Times.'' July 11, 2019. Accessed October 17, 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/courts-crime/murder-charges-withdrawn-for-three-men-allegedly-linked-to-orchard-towers</ref>
===Trial on 29 August 2019===
===Trial on 29 August 2019===
On 29 August, Tan Hong Sheng failed to turn up in court and a warrant of arrest was issued against him.<ref>Shaffiq Alkhatib. “Warrant of arrest issued after man allegedly linked to Orchard Towers murder skips court appearance”. ''The Straits Times.'' August 29, 2019. Accessed October 17, 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/courts-crime/warrant-of-arrest-issued-after-man-allegedly-linked-to-orchard-towers-murder</ref> Tan Hong Sheng’s lawyer, Josephus Tan, told District Judge Christopher Goh that his client’s mother had filed a police report earlier in the week.<ref>Shaffiq Alkhatib. “Warrant of arrest issued after man allegedly linked to Orchard Towers murder skips court appearance”. ''The Straits Times.'' August 29, 2019. Accessed October 17, 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/courts-crime/warrant-of-arrest-issued-after-man-allegedly-linked-to-orchard-towers-murder</ref> While the nature of the report was not released, Tan Hong Sheng’s mother had 48 hours to locate him. His passport had been impounded. Tan Hong Sheng’s mother had to return to court in October to explain her son’s absence and why the $15,000 bail should not be forfeited.<ref>Shaffiq Alkhatib. “Warrant of arrest issued after man allegedly linked to Orchard Towers murder skips court appearance”. ''The Straits Times.'' August 29, 2019. Accessed October 17, 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/courts-crime/warrant-of-arrest-issued-after-man-allegedly-linked-to-orchard-towers-murder</ref>
On 29 August, Tan Hong Sheng failed to turn up in court and a warrant of arrest was issued against him.<ref>Shaffiq Alkhatib. “Warrant of arrest issued after man allegedly linked to Orchard Towers murder skips court appearance”. ''The Straits Times.'' August 29, 2019. Accessed October 17, 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/courts-crime/warrant-of-arrest-issued-after-man-allegedly-linked-to-orchard-towers-murder</ref> Tan Hong Sheng’s lawyer, Josephus Tan, told District Judge Christopher Goh that his client’s mother had filed a police report earlier in the week.<ref>Shaffiq Alkhatib. “Warrant of arrest issued after man allegedly linked to Orchard Towers murder skips court appearance”. ''The Straits Times.'' August 29, 2019. Accessed October 17, 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/courts-crime/warrant-of-arrest-issued-after-man-allegedly-linked-to-orchard-towers-murder</ref> While the nature of the report was not released, Tan Hong Sheng’s mother had 48 hours to locate him. His passport had been impounded. Tan Hong Sheng’s mother had to return to court in October to explain her son’s absence and why the $15,000 bail should not be forfeited.<ref>Shaffiq Alkhatib. “Warrant of arrest issued after man allegedly linked to Orchard Towers murder skips court appearance”. ''The Straits Times.'' August 29, 2019. Accessed October 17, 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/courts-crime/warrant-of-arrest-issued-after-man-allegedly-linked-to-orchard-towers-murder</ref>
Line 72: Line 72:
''The Project X'' is a local organisation that stands up for the rights of sex workers in Singapore.<ref>"About Project X". ''The Project X''. Accessed on 23 October 2019. Retrieved from: https://theprojectx.org/about/</ref> On 1 August 2019, ''The Project X'' published a blog post in response to the news sites that exposed the “sleazy” reputation of Orchard Towers. The blog post detailed that it was unfair to liken the recent murder to the sleazy activities in Orchard Towers.<ref>The Project X. “The Project X: Singapore: In Defense of Orchard Towers.” ''The Project X | Singapore''. August 1, 2019. Accessed October 16, 2019. Retrieved from: https://theprojectx.org/2019/in-defense-of-orchard-towers/</ref> They argued that such murders could have occurred anywhere else. The article ends off with a condemnation of the people who caused the trouble, as opposed to the sex-workers who work there.<ref>The Project X. “The Project X: Singapore: In Defense of Orchard Towers.” ''The Project X | Singapore''. August 1, 2019. Accessed October 16, 2019. Retrieved from: https://theprojectx.org/2019/in-defense-of-orchard-towers/</ref>
''The Project X'' is a local organisation that stands up for the rights of sex workers in Singapore.<ref>"About Project X". ''The Project X''. Accessed on 23 October 2019. Retrieved from: https://theprojectx.org/about/</ref> On 1 August 2019, ''The Project X'' published a blog post in response to the news sites that exposed the “sleazy” reputation of Orchard Towers. The blog post detailed that it was unfair to liken the recent murder to the sleazy activities in Orchard Towers.<ref>The Project X. “The Project X: Singapore: In Defense of Orchard Towers.” ''The Project X | Singapore''. August 1, 2019. Accessed October 16, 2019. Retrieved from: https://theprojectx.org/2019/in-defense-of-orchard-towers/</ref> They argued that such murders could have occurred anywhere else. The article ends off with a condemnation of the people who caused the trouble, as opposed to the sex-workers who work there.<ref>The Project X. “The Project X: Singapore: In Defense of Orchard Towers.” ''The Project X | Singapore''. August 1, 2019. Accessed October 16, 2019. Retrieved from: https://theprojectx.org/2019/in-defense-of-orchard-towers/</ref>


=== Official responses ===
===Official responses===


====Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA)====
====Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA)====
In a parliamentary sitting in August, several Members of Parliament voiced their concerns about the vice and crime in Orchard Towers. Mr Amrin Amin, Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Home Affairs, mentioned that more than 70 vice workers have been arrested during anti-vice operations in Orchard Towers.<ref>Wong, Cara. “Parliament: 76 vice workers arrested last year at and around Orchard Towers, says Amrin Amin”. ''The Straits Times.'' August 05, 2019. Accessed October 17, 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.straitstimes.com/politics/singapolitics/parliament-76-vice-workers-arrested-last-year-at-and-around-orchard-towers</ref> Unlicensed massage establishments have also been shut down. Moreover, the MHA is looking to stop issuing new public entertainment licenses.<ref>Wong, Cara. “Parliament: 76 vice workers arrested last year at and around Orchard Towers, says Amrin Amin”. ''The Straits Times.'' August 05, 2019. Accessed October 17, 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.straitstimes.com/politics/singapolitics/parliament-76-vice-workers-arrested-last-year-at-and-around-orchard-towers</ref>  
In a parliamentary sitting in August, several Members of Parliament voiced their concerns about the vice and crime in Orchard Towers. Mr Amrin Amin, Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Home Affairs, mentioned that more than 70 vice workers have been arrested during anti-vice operations in Orchard Towers.<ref>Wong, Cara. “Parliament: 76 vice workers arrested last year at and around Orchard Towers, says Amrin Amin”. ''The Straits Times.'' August 05, 2019. Accessed October 17, 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.straitstimes.com/politics/singapolitics/parliament-76-vice-workers-arrested-last-year-at-and-around-orchard-towers</ref> Unlicensed massage establishments have also been shut down. Moreover, the MHA is looking to stop issuing new public entertainment licenses.<ref>Wong, Cara. “Parliament: 76 vice workers arrested last year at and around Orchard Towers, says Amrin Amin”. ''The Straits Times.'' August 05, 2019. Accessed October 17, 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.straitstimes.com/politics/singapolitics/parliament-76-vice-workers-arrested-last-year-at-and-around-orchard-towers</ref>  


==== Singapore Police Force ====
====Singapore Police Force====
The Singapore Police Force (SPF) is also looking to work with entertainment establishments to reduce the likelihood of crimes. Public entertainment outlets have been urged to stop serving alcohol to highly intoxicated patrons. These outlets have also been urged to set up holding areas for highly intoxicated patrons to sober up.<ref>Wong, Pei Ting. “Police's ‘smart clubbing’ campaign switches focus to violent crime as number of cases spikes”. ''Today.'' October 15, 2019. Accessed October 17, 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.todayonline.com/singapore/smart-clubbing-campaign-police-switches-gear-focus-violent-crimes-caseload-grow</ref> The SPF aims to create an initiative called the ‘Public Entertainment Industry Safety and Security Watch Group’. This initiative is a support network for neighbouring public entertainment outlets to look out for each other.<ref>Wong, Pei Ting. “Police's ‘smart clubbing’ campaign switches focus to violent crime as number of cases spikes”. ''Today.'' October 15, 2019. Accessed October 17, 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.todayonline.com/singapore/smart-clubbing-campaign-police-switches-gear-focus-violent-crimes-caseload-grow</ref>
The Singapore Police Force (SPF) is also looking to work with entertainment establishments to reduce the likelihood of crimes. Public entertainment outlets have been urged to stop serving alcohol to highly intoxicated patrons. These outlets have also been urged to set up holding areas for highly intoxicated patrons to sober up.<ref>Wong, Pei Ting. “Police's ‘smart clubbing’ campaign switches focus to violent crime as number of cases spikes”. ''Today.'' October 15, 2019. Accessed October 17, 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.todayonline.com/singapore/smart-clubbing-campaign-police-switches-gear-focus-violent-crimes-caseload-grow</ref> The SPF aims to create an initiative called the ‘Public Entertainment Industry Safety and Security Watch Group’. This initiative is a support network for neighbouring public entertainment outlets to look out for each other.<ref>Wong, Pei Ting. “Police's ‘smart clubbing’ campaign switches focus to violent crime as number of cases spikes”. ''Today.'' October 15, 2019. Accessed October 17, 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.todayonline.com/singapore/smart-clubbing-campaign-police-switches-gear-focus-violent-crimes-caseload-grow</ref>
==References / Citations==
==References / Citations==
[[Category:Newsworthy Incidents]]
[[Category:Newsworthy Incidents]]
<references />
<references />

Revision as of 15:26, 19 October 2020

The victim collapsed at the entrance of Orchard Towers on the morning of 2 July 2019. Photo from The New Paper.

On 2 July 2019, a pub brawl that occurred in Orchard Towers escalated into an armed attack on a 31-year-old man.[1] The brawl resulted in the death of Satheesh Noel Gobidass. The attackers were identified as a group of adults between 22 and 27 years old, with the only female attacker being 24-year-old Natalie Siow.

Details of incident

CCTV footage of the perpetrators. Screengrab from YouTube video.

CCTV footage of the attack

On 2 July 2019 at 6.15 am, ten individuals were seen walking towards the entrance of Orchard Towers. Satheesh Noel Gobidass was seen coming down the escalator and then confronting a member of the group. The confrontation escalated into physical blows and the rest of the group joined the fight.[2] Satheesh was then shown backing off from the group before tailing them to the entrance of Orchard Towers only to suddenly collapse on the floor.[3] Bystanders were seen trying to help staunch the bleeding from his neck.[4]

Police arrival

The pile of bloody tissues at the entrance of Orchard Towers. Photo from Channel News Asia.

The police were reportedly contacted at 6.25 am. When they arrived at the scene, they found Satheesh lying motionless on the floor. He was then taken to Tan Tock Seng hospital for treatment however, he was pronounced dead at 7.25 am. The police cordoned off the main entrance and the second floor of Orchard Towers. They interviewed shopkeepers who reportedly heard shouting and fighting earlier that morning.[5] Correspondents from The Straits Times reported a pool of blood and plenty of blood-soaked tissues at the entrance of Orchard Towers.[6]

Arrests

Within 12 hours of the incident, the police arrested eight suspects. A spokesperson from the Singapore Police Force told The New Paper that the eighth suspect was a female who was not under remand but is instead assisting the police with investigations.[7]

Charges

The suspects of the Orchard Towers murder. Photo credit to Kelvin Chng (ST PHOTO).

On 4 July 2019, seven individuals were charged in court with one count each of murder with common intention.[8] The individuals were Natalie Siow Yu Zhen (22), Joel Tan Yun Sheng (26), Chan Jia Xing (26), Ang Da Yuan (26), Tan Sen Yang (27), Loo Boon Chong (25), and Tan Hong Sheng (22).[9] The accused were represented by the following lawyers:[10][11]

Accused Lawyer(s) Law Firm
Chan Jia Xing Mr Josephus Tan, Mr Cory Wong and Mr Shane Yeo Invictus Law Corporation
Joel Tan Yun Sheng
Tan Hong Sheng
Natalie Siow Yu Zhen Ms Cheryl Ng Intelleigen Legal
Mr Amarick Gill Amarick Gill LLC
Loo Boon Chong Ms Diana Ngiam, Mr Sunil Sudheesan and Mr Sujesh Anandan Quahe Woo and Palmer LLC
Ang Da Yuan Kertar Singh Kertar & Sandhu LLC
Tan Sen Yang Eugene Thuraisingam and Suang Wijaya Eugene Thuraisingam LLP

Court proceedings

The trials for the Orchard Towers murder are conducted in the Singapore State Courts. Photo from Channel News Asia.

Trial on 5 July 2019

In the first trial, all seven individuals were charged in court with one count each of murder with common intention. According to court documents, they were “members of an unlawful assembly whose common object was to cause hurt” to Mr Satheesh.[12] Natalie Siow Yu Zhen, Joel Tan Yun Sheng, Chan Jia Xing and Ang Da Yuan were physically present in court. Tan Sen Yang, Loo Boon Chong and Tan Hong Sheng were present through a live video feed as they were remanded at the Central Police Station at Cantonment Road.[13]

Trial on 11 July 2019 - Tang Hong Sheng, Loo Boo Chong & Chan Jia Xing

On 11 July, Tan Hong Sheng, Loo Boo Chong and Chan Jia Xing were acquitted of murder.[14] Their charges were reclassified from murder to consorting with a person carrying an offensive weapon in public. They could not be charged again with the same murder offence.[15] According to court documents, the three individuals were allegedly found in the company of Tan Sen Yang, who had a kerambit knife at the Naughty Girl Club on the second storey of Orchard Towers.[16] The knife was allegedly the weapon that seriously wounded Satheesh. The kerambit knife is said to be a curved knife resembling a claw.[17]

Trial on 29 August 2019

On 29 August, Tan Hong Sheng failed to turn up in court and a warrant of arrest was issued against him.[18] Tan Hong Sheng’s lawyer, Josephus Tan, told District Judge Christopher Goh that his client’s mother had filed a police report earlier in the week.[19] While the nature of the report was not released, Tan Hong Sheng’s mother had 48 hours to locate him. His passport had been impounded. Tan Hong Sheng’s mother had to return to court in October to explain her son’s absence and why the $15,000 bail should not be forfeited.[20]

Trial on 27 September 2019 - Tan Hong Sheng

Tan Hong Sheng was re-arrested and taken back to court on 27 September 2019. On top of his previous charge, he was served with an unrelated rioting charge.[21] On 9 August 2019, He was allegedly involved in an unlawful assembly with four other people. The five of them intended to hurt a man identified as Desmond Neo Zhao Fu, a 30-year-old.[22] The offence was committed outside Club Secret in Central Mall at 3.40 am.[23]

Trial on 18 October 2019 - Natalie Siow

Natalie Siow, the only female suspect that had been initially charged for murder. Photo from Hardwarezone.

Natalie Siow’s sentence was reduced from murder to assault.[24] According to court documents, Natalie Siow, Tan Sen Yang, Joel Tan Yun Sheng and Ang Da Yuan allegedly punched and kicked Mr Satheesh at the ground floor of Orchard Towers.[25] She was offered bail of S$15,000 and will be back in court on 25 October. She was said to have burst into tears upon hearing the news of her sentence being reduced to assault.[26] As of October 2019, the trial is still ongoing.

Responses

Imposter providing "pro bono services" to Natalie Siow

A thread on Hardwarezone Singapore went viral after a man named “Danny Chua” allegedly from Kalco Law offered to defend Natalie Siow for free.[27] A quick search on the firm’s site revealed that no such person exists.[28] Natalie Siow has also amassed a "fan club" on Hardwarezone. A thread titled '[OFFICIAL] NATALIE SIOW YU ZHEN FAN CLUB' has 265 likes as of 23 October 2019.[29]

Singapore news sites

In light of the murder, several news sites have published articles that shed light on the unsavoury activities in Orchard Towers. The Straits Times published an article detailing Orchard Towers’ transition from a family mall to a place filled with vice. It also explained how the sleazy activities in the mall have affected other businesses in the area.[30] Today published an article about the Thai discos in Orchard Towers where violence is always likely to break out. It highlighted the popularity of Thai discos with youth due to the cheap drinks, music and late opening hours.[31]

The Project X: In Defense of Orchard Towers

Orchard Towers on Orchard Road in Singapore. Photo from Lianhe Zaobao.

The Project X is a local organisation that stands up for the rights of sex workers in Singapore.[32] On 1 August 2019, The Project X published a blog post in response to the news sites that exposed the “sleazy” reputation of Orchard Towers. The blog post detailed that it was unfair to liken the recent murder to the sleazy activities in Orchard Towers.[33] They argued that such murders could have occurred anywhere else. The article ends off with a condemnation of the people who caused the trouble, as opposed to the sex-workers who work there.[34]

Official responses

Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA)

In a parliamentary sitting in August, several Members of Parliament voiced their concerns about the vice and crime in Orchard Towers. Mr Amrin Amin, Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Home Affairs, mentioned that more than 70 vice workers have been arrested during anti-vice operations in Orchard Towers.[35] Unlicensed massage establishments have also been shut down. Moreover, the MHA is looking to stop issuing new public entertainment licenses.[36]

Singapore Police Force

The Singapore Police Force (SPF) is also looking to work with entertainment establishments to reduce the likelihood of crimes. Public entertainment outlets have been urged to stop serving alcohol to highly intoxicated patrons. These outlets have also been urged to set up holding areas for highly intoxicated patrons to sober up.[37] The SPF aims to create an initiative called the ‘Public Entertainment Industry Safety and Security Watch Group’. This initiative is a support network for neighbouring public entertainment outlets to look out for each other.[38]

References / Citations

  1. ↑ Ng, Huiwen and Cara Wong. “Man dies from injuries after Orchard Towers pub brawl; 8 men and women arrested for murder”. The Straits Times. July 02, 2019. Accessed October 16, 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/man-at-orchard-towers-dies-from-injuries-police-cordon-seen-near-buildings-entrance
  2. ↑ The Must Share News Team. “We Fact-Checked The Orchard Towers Murder Case To Separate Fact From Speculation”. MustShareNews. July 14, 2019. Accessed October 16, 2019. Retrieved from: https://mustsharenews.com/orchard-towers-murder-video/
  3. ↑ The Must Share News Team. “We Fact-Checked The Orchard Towers Murder Case To Separate Fact From Speculation”. MustShareNews. July 14, 2019. Accessed October 16, 2019. Retrieved from: https://mustsharenews.com/orchard-towers-murder-video/
  4. ↑ Wong, Cara. “Seven charged with murder of man, 31, at Orchard Towers”. The Straits Times. July 05, 2019. Accessed October 16, 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/courts-crime/seven-charged-with-murder-of-man-31-at-orchard-towers
  5. ↑ Wong, Cara. “Seven charged with murder of man, 31, at Orchard Towers”. The Straits Times. July 05, 2019. Accessed October 16, 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/courts-crime/seven-charged-with-murder-of-man-31-at-orchard-towers
  6. ↑ Wong, Cara. “Seven charged with murder of man, 31, at Orchard Towers”. The Straits Times. July 05, 2019. Accessed October 16, 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/courts-crime/seven-charged-with-murder-of-man-31-at-orchard-towers
  7. ↑ Kok, Yufeng. “Four of seven murder accused taken back to Orchard Towers”. The New Paper. July 10, 2019. Accessed October 17, 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.tnp.sg/news/singapore/four-seven-accused-taken-back-orchard-towers
  8. ↑ Wong, Cara. “Seven charged with murder of man, 31, at Orchard Towers”. The Straits Times. July 05, 2019. Accessed October 16, 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/courts-crime/seven-charged-with-murder-of-man-31-at-orchard-towers
  9. ↑ Wong, Cara. “Seven charged with murder of man, 31, at Orchard Towers”. The Straits Times. July 05, 2019. Accessed October 16, 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/courts-crime/seven-charged-with-murder-of-man-31-at-orchard-towers
  10. ↑ Alkhatib, Shaffiq. “Murder charges withdrawn for three men allegedly linked to Orchard Towers death”. The Straits Times. July 11, 2019. Accessed October 17, 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/courts-crime/murder-charges-withdrawn-for-three-men-allegedly-linked-to-orchard-towers
  11. ↑ Tang, Louisa. “Orchard Towers brawl: Murder charges withdrawn for three of the accused”. Today. July 11, 2019. Accessed October 17, 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.todayonline.com/singapore/orchard-towers-murder-murder-charges-withdrawn-three-accused
  12. ↑ Wong, Cara. “Seven charged with murder of man, 31, at Orchard Towers”. The Straits Times. July 05, 2019. Accessed October 16, 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/courts-crime/seven-charged-with-murder-of-man-31-at-orchard-towers
  13. ↑ Wong, Cara. “Seven charged with murder of man, 31, at Orchard Towers”. The Straits Times. July 05, 2019. Accessed October 16, 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/courts-crime/seven-charged-with-murder-of-man-31-at-orchard-towers
  14. ↑ Alkhatib, Shaffiq. “Murder charges withdrawn for three men allegedly linked to Orchard Towers death”. The Straits Times. July 11, 2019. Accessed October 17, 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/courts-crime/murder-charges-withdrawn-for-three-men-allegedly-linked-to-orchard-towers
  15. ↑ Alkhatib, Shaffiq. “Murder charges withdrawn for three men allegedly linked to Orchard Towers death”. The Straits Times. July 11, 2019. Accessed October 17, 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/courts-crime/murder-charges-withdrawn-for-three-men-allegedly-linked-to-orchard-towers
  16. ↑ Alkhatib, Shaffiq. “Murder charges withdrawn for three men allegedly linked to Orchard Towers death”. The Straits Times. July 11, 2019. Accessed October 17, 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/courts-crime/murder-charges-withdrawn-for-three-men-allegedly-linked-to-orchard-towers
  17. ↑ Alkhatib, Shaffiq. “Murder charges withdrawn for three men allegedly linked to Orchard Towers death”. The Straits Times. July 11, 2019. Accessed October 17, 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/courts-crime/murder-charges-withdrawn-for-three-men-allegedly-linked-to-orchard-towers
  18. ↑ Shaffiq Alkhatib. “Warrant of arrest issued after man allegedly linked to Orchard Towers murder skips court appearance”. The Straits Times. August 29, 2019. Accessed October 17, 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/courts-crime/warrant-of-arrest-issued-after-man-allegedly-linked-to-orchard-towers-murder
  19. ↑ Shaffiq Alkhatib. “Warrant of arrest issued after man allegedly linked to Orchard Towers murder skips court appearance”. The Straits Times. August 29, 2019. Accessed October 17, 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/courts-crime/warrant-of-arrest-issued-after-man-allegedly-linked-to-orchard-towers-murder
  20. ↑ Shaffiq Alkhatib. “Warrant of arrest issued after man allegedly linked to Orchard Towers murder skips court appearance”. The Straits Times. August 29, 2019. Accessed October 17, 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/courts-crime/warrant-of-arrest-issued-after-man-allegedly-linked-to-orchard-towers-murder
  21. ↑ Shaffiq Alkhatib. “Orchard Towers murder: Bail jumper nabbed, back in court”. The Straits Times. September 28, 2019. Accessed October 17, 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/courts-crime/orchard-towers-murder-bail-jumper-nabbed-back-in-court
  22. ↑ Shaffiq Alkhatib. “Orchard Towers murder: Bail jumper nabbed, back in court”. The Straits Times. September 28, 2019. Accessed October 17, 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/courts-crime/orchard-towers-murder-bail-jumper-nabbed-back-in-court
  23. ↑ Shaffiq Alkhatib. “Orchard Towers murder: Bail jumper nabbed, back in court”. The Straits Times. September 28, 2019. Accessed October 17, 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/courts-crime/orchard-towers-murder-bail-jumper-nabbed-back-in-court
  24. ↑ Shaffiq Alkhatib. “Orchard Towers killing: Sole woman in case cries after murder charge reduced to assault”. The Straits Times. October 19, 2019. Accessed October 23, 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/courts-crime/sole-woman-allegedly-linked-to-orchard-towers-killing-has-murder-charge
  25. ↑ Shaffiq Alkhatib. “Orchard Towers killing: Sole woman in case cries after murder charge reduced to assault”. The Straits Times. October 19, 2019. Accessed October 23, 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/courts-crime/sole-woman-allegedly-linked-to-orchard-towers-killing-has-murder-charge
  26. ↑ Shaffiq Alkhatib. “Orchard Towers killing: Sole woman in case cries after murder charge reduced to assault”. The Straits Times. October 19, 2019. Accessed October 23, 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/courts-crime/sole-woman-allegedly-linked-to-orchard-towers-killing-has-murder-charge
  27. ↑ Ann, Danielle. “Fake Lawyer Offered pro Bono Defence Services to Natalie Siow Yu Zhen on Singaporean Forum.” Alvinology. July 8, 2019. Accessed October 17, 2019. Retrieved from: https://alvinology.com/2019/07/08/fake-lawyer-offered-pro-bono-defence-services-to-natalie-siow-yu-zhen-on-singaporean-forum/
  28. ↑ Kalco Law LLC. “Our Team.” Kalco Law LLC. Accessed October 17, 2019. Retrieved from: http://www.kalco.com.sg/our-team/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIwuvzldSi5QIVRCUrCh3aNgZyEAAYASAAEgIYM_D_BwE
  29. ↑ "[OFFICIAL] NATALIE SIOW YU ZHEN FAN CLUB". Hardwarezone. Accessed on 23 October 2019. Retrieved from: https://forums.hardwarezone.com.sg/eat-drink-man-woman-16/%5Bofficial%5D-natalie-siow-yu-zhen-fan-club-6072750-39.html
  30. ↑ Yang, Calvin. “Orchard Towers: From family mall to sleaze and brawls.” The Straits Times. July 14, 2019. Accessed October 17, 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/courts-crime/orchard-towers-fall-from-grace
  31. ↑ Lim, Kimberly. “Thai discos: Cheap drinks, long opening hours and simmering aggression.” Today. July 12, 2019. Accessed October 17, 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.todayonline.com/singapore/thai-discos-cheap-drinks-hostesses-and-simmering-aggression
  32. ↑ "About Project X". The Project X. Accessed on 23 October 2019. Retrieved from: https://theprojectx.org/about/
  33. ↑ The Project X. “The Project X: Singapore: In Defense of Orchard Towers.” The Project X | Singapore. August 1, 2019. Accessed October 16, 2019. Retrieved from: https://theprojectx.org/2019/in-defense-of-orchard-towers/
  34. ↑ The Project X. “The Project X: Singapore: In Defense of Orchard Towers.” The Project X | Singapore. August 1, 2019. Accessed October 16, 2019. Retrieved from: https://theprojectx.org/2019/in-defense-of-orchard-towers/
  35. ↑ Wong, Cara. “Parliament: 76 vice workers arrested last year at and around Orchard Towers, says Amrin Amin”. The Straits Times. August 05, 2019. Accessed October 17, 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.straitstimes.com/politics/singapolitics/parliament-76-vice-workers-arrested-last-year-at-and-around-orchard-towers
  36. ↑ Wong, Cara. “Parliament: 76 vice workers arrested last year at and around Orchard Towers, says Amrin Amin”. The Straits Times. August 05, 2019. Accessed October 17, 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.straitstimes.com/politics/singapolitics/parliament-76-vice-workers-arrested-last-year-at-and-around-orchard-towers
  37. ↑ Wong, Pei Ting. “Police's ‘smart clubbing’ campaign switches focus to violent crime as number of cases spikes”. Today. October 15, 2019. Accessed October 17, 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.todayonline.com/singapore/smart-clubbing-campaign-police-switches-gear-focus-violent-crimes-caseload-grow
  38. ↑ Wong, Pei Ting. “Police's ‘smart clubbing’ campaign switches focus to violent crime as number of cases spikes”. Today. October 15, 2019. Accessed October 17, 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.todayonline.com/singapore/smart-clubbing-campaign-police-switches-gear-focus-violent-crimes-caseload-grow
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