An 18-year-old was sentenced to 16 years in jail for killing a fellow student at River Valley High School with an axe. The incident, which took place over two years ago, had significantly impacted the community. Justice Hoo Sheau Peng emphasized that depression cannot justify harming others, describing the case as unprecedented due to its occurrence in a school environment.
Details of the Attack
The teenager, who was 16 at the time of the incident, carried out the attack with premeditation and careful planning. He had gone to school with the intention of choosing a victim at random and then forcing a police intervention that he hoped would lead to his own death. The victim, Ethan Hun Zhe Kai, was only 13 years old.
Teenager’s Motivation and Mental Health
The teenager suffered from major depressive disorder and had become desensitised to violence through online videos. Before the attack, he had contemplated suicide and had previously attempted to take his own life. His depressive state was a significant factor in his actions, leading to the initial murder charge being reduced to culpable homicide.
Legal Proceedings and Defence
In court, the teenager’s lawyer, Sunil Sudheesan, sought a lighter sentence of five years, citing the teen’s mental health as the main contributing factor to his actions. The defence highlighted the teenager’s good character and argued that his depression was the driving force behind his irrational decision-making.
Rehabilitation and Support
Currently, the teenager is reported to be in full remission from his depression. He attends counselling, takes medication, and receives support from his family. These factors were taken into account as part of his defence and rehabilitation plan.
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