7 youths slashed

[Gan Ning]

Remand for 3 extended


Nov 17, 2010

DOWNTOWN EAST MURDER

Remand for 3 extended

By Khushwant Singh

The three were yesterday remanded in custody for another two weeks for psychiatric tests. -- ST PHOTO: LAU FOOK KONG

THREE of the five young men charged with last month's murder of student Darren Ng in Downtown East were yesterday remanded in custody for another two weeks for psychiatric tests. Chen Wei Zhen, 19, Ho Wui Ming, 20, and Tang Jia Min, 21, will all undergo an evaluation at the Changi Medical Complex.

A fourth suspect, Louis Tong Qing Yao, 17, was remanded in the Central police division for two more weeks to assist police in recovering the murder weapons and tracking down accomplices.

Tong also faces three loan shark harassment charges after he allegedly scribbled graffiti in Bishan and Serangoon North and splashed paint at a flat in Hougang. The fifth suspect, Edward Tay Wei Loong, 18, is recovering in hospital after injuring himself while fleeing from the police. He will appear in court next Tuesday. The other cases will be heard on Dec 7.

Read the full story in The Straits Times today.

 

[Maeda Keiji]

3 more youths charged


Nov 19, 2010

DOWNTOWN EAST MURDER
3 more youths charged

By Khushwant Singh

(Left to right) Chong Rui Hong, 18, Jason Chew Wei Beng, 20 and Ng Wei Lun, 18, were ordered to be remanded in Central police division till Nov 26. -- ST PHOTO: WONG KWAI CHOW

THREE youths were charged on Friday with the murder of 19-year-old polytechnic student Darren Ng in Downtown East last month, bringing the total to eight suspects arrested so far. Chong Rui Hong, 18, Ng Wei Lun, 18, and Jason Chew Wei Beng, 20, were ordered to be remanded in Central police division till Nov 26. The judge also issued an order that they could be taken out to assist police in investigations.

The trio is believed to have joined a group who hacked polytechnic student Darren to death with choppers at the Downtown East entertainment hub after a gang-related dispute on Oct 30. Four alleged accomplices were first arrested on Nov 13. At the mention of their cases on Tuesday, Chen Wei Zhen, 19, Ho Wui Ming, 20, and Tang Jia Min, 21, were ordered to be detained at the Changi Medical Complex in Changi prison. Edward Tay Wei Loong, 18, is recovering in hospital after injuring himself while fleeing from the police.

The fifth suspect, Louis Tong Qing Yao, 17 - who was arrested on Nov 2 for illegal moneylending activities - was charged for Darren's murder on Nov 10. On Tuesday, he was ordered to be remanded in the Central police division to assist in investigations. He also faces three loanshark harassment charges after he allegedly scribbled graffiti in Bishan and Serangoon North and splashed paint at a flat in Hougang. Two suspected accomplices - Stillwell Ong Keat Pin, 19, and Ho Wei Quan - are still at large.

 

[Zhang He]

Accused of writing 'O$P$' at 3 blocks


Accused of writing 'O$P$' at 3 blocks
After Downtown East slashing, teen allegedly went on vandalism spree

By Vivien Chan

He is only 16. But Louis Tong Qing Yao, a student, has been accused of murder.

He was charged in court on Nov 10 with the murder of Darren Ng Wei Jie, 18, at Downtown East on Oct 30.

And that's not the only crime he is being accused of.

While on the run, Tong allegedly went on a vandalism spree three days after he allegedly killed Darren.

Together with a 17-year-old youth, Tong allegedly targeted three HDB blocks - at Hougang, Serangoon North and Bishan - over a period of three hours on Nov 2.

If convicted of loan-sharking offences, Tong can be jailed five years, fined $50,000 and caned on each charge.

 

[Guan Ping]

Psychiatric tests for suspect


Nov 24, 2010

DOWNTOWN EAST MURDER
Psychiatric tests for suspect

Louis Tong Qing Yao (above) is one of the suspects connected to the murder of student Darren Ng in Downtown East. -- ST FILE PHOTO

SIXTEEN-YEAR-OLD Louis Tong Qing Yao, the youngest of eight people charged with last month's murder of polytechnic student Darren Ng, yesterday became the fourth suspect to be ordered to undergo psychiatric evaluation.

Tong, who also faces three loan shark harassment charges for allegedly scribbling graffiti in Bishan and Serangoon North, and splashing paint at a flat in Hougang, will be evaluated at the medical centre in Changi Prison.

Three of his alleged accomplices were sent for psychiatric evaluation last week. They are Chen Wei Zhen, 19; Ho Wui Ming, 20, and Tang Jia Min, 21. Another suspect, Edward Tay Wei Loong, 18, has recovered from injuries sustained while fleeing from the police. His case will be mentioned today.

Three others were charged on Friday. Chong Rui Hong, 18, Ng Wei Lun, 18, and Jason Chew Wei Beng, 20, were ordered to be remanded in Central Police Division to help the police with investigations.

All eight suspects are believed to be part of a gang that hacked Darren, 19, to death with choppers at the Downtown East entertainment hub after a gang-related dispute on Oct 30.

Read the full story in Wednesday's edition of The Straits Times.

KHUSHWANT SINGH

 

[Shingen Takeda]

Caught for inciting violence


Nov 25, 2010

15-YEAR-OLD NABBED FOR ONLINE REMARKS
Caught for inciting violence

By Hannah Koh

The Downtown East Murder

Nineteen-year-old Darren Ng, a student at Republic Polytechnic, was stabbed to death on Oct 31, 2010. He was part of a gang that had gone to Downtown East to meet a rival gang. A fight erupted and Darren was fatally slashed. The violent murder drew much attention to street-corner gangs and the youths that they are comprised of.

The inter-gang hostility that sparked off the fight that led to Darren's murder did not stop there - it moved online, in the form of a vicious war of words among netizens. According to a report by The New Paper, a video tribute on YouTube to Darren spiralled into insults and challenges to fights with specific dates, times and places listed.

Police arrested a 15-year-old male for inciting violence online.

POLICE arrested on Monday a 15-year-old male for inciting violence online following the recent murder at Downtown East. On Nov 4, the suspect posted comments claiming he was associated with a gang. He also challenged other users to a fight, even stating a specific date, time and place.

The suspect is released on bail and is still under investigation. The director of the Criminal Investigation Department, Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police Ng Boon Gay, said the police are 'taking a tough stance on gangs'.

'Those who think they can hide behind the anonymity of the Internet should think twice and be warned that statements which are deemed to cause fear or incite violence are against the law,' he added.

 

[Zhou Tai]

9th charged with murder


Dec 1, 2010

DOWNTOWN EAST MURDER
9th charged with murder

By Elena Chong

A trail of blood at Downtown East where Darren Ng Wei Jie was attacked by a group of youths on Oct 30.-- PHOTO: SHIN MIN

A NINTH youth was charged in court with the murder of polytechnic student Darren Ng Wei Jie in Downtown East on Oct 30. Ho Wei Quan, 18, is alleged to have been part of an unlawful assembly when one or more of them committed murder by causing the death of the 19-year-old at the Pasir Ris Close entertainment hub between 5.30pm and 5.57pm that day.

Ho, who had dyed hair with a long fringe, was represented by Mr Michael Chia. About 10 family members and friends showed up in court on Wednesday for his case. Ho was remanded for a week at Central Police Division for investigation. If convicted, he faces the mandatory death penalty.

 

[Vega.]

2 more arrested for murder


Dec 9, 2010

DOWNTOWN EAST MURDER
2 more arrested for murder

By Kimberly Spykerman

TWO more youths have been arrested for the Downtown East killing in October, bringing the total to 11. The pair were arrested on Wednesday, more than a month after 19-year-old polytechnic student Darren Ng Wei Jie was chased and slashed by chopper-wielding youths.

He died later in hospital. Nine others have already been charged in connection with the death. In the new arrests, a 19-year-old was nabbed with the assistance of the Johor Baru, after a warrant of arrest was executed against him in Malaysia police.

He was detained at the JB checkpoint on the way back to Singapore. The other, a 20-year-old, was arrested in Singapore. If found guilty, they face the death penalty.

Criminal lawyer Shashi Nathan said that while it was unusual for such a large number of people to be charged with the murder of one person, it was not unheard of, especially in incidences of rioting.

Read the full report in Friday's edition of The Straits Times.

 

[Shingen Takeda]

Youths brought to court


Dec 10, 2010

DOWNTOWN EAST MURDER
Youths brought to court

By Elena Chong

Puay De Feng (left), 20, and Stilwell Ong Keat Pin, 19, were brought to court on Friday over the Downtown East murder of a polytechnic student Darren Ng Wei Jie. -- ST PHOTO: WONG KWAI CHOW

TWO more youths were brought to court on Friday over the Downtown East murder of a polytechnic student, bringing the number of people charged to 11.

Stilwell Ong Keat Pin, 19, and Puay De Feng, 20, were each accused of being part of an unlawful assembly, one or more of whom caused the death of Darren Ng Wei Jie, 19, at the main foyer of Downtown east at Pasir Ris Close on Oct 30.

Darren died in hospital hours after the apparent gang-related attack, during which he was hacked with choppers. Ong, represented by Mr Sunil Sudheesan, was arrested in Johor Baru with the help of the Royal Malaysian Police Force while Puay was nabbed here on Wednesday.

Both were remanded for a week for investigation. If convicted, they face the mandatory death penalty.

 

[Kenshin Uesugi]

Downtown East rioter jailed 6 weeks


Dec 22, 2010

Downtown East rioter jailed 6 weeks

By Khushwant Singh

A 21-YEAR-OLD was jailed six weeks on Wednesday for being a member of an unlawful assembly that attacked a 20-year-old man in Downtown East in June.

When Aminurrashid Johana, 22, pleaded guilty on Nov 11, the judge called on the prosecution for statistics to show whether such crimes are on the rise.

District Judge Ronald Gwee made this request in light of several gang violence incidents in October and last month, including the murder of student Darren Ng, 19, on Oct 30, also in Downtown East.

But figures provided by Assistant Public Prosecutor Thiagesh Sukumaran on Wednesday indicated that the number of youths, aged seven to 19 and arrested and charged for rioting, was on a decline these past few years.

The prosecutor also said: 'Despite the several offences that have come under the media spotlight, this particular case should not be tarred by the same brush.'

Defence counsel Anand Nalachandran had argued of a jail term of not more than four weeks as Aminurrashid was not a secret society member and the least culpable among those involved in the attack.

According to court documents, an argument broke out after Aminurrashid and Mohd Iqbal Azman, 22, barged into victim Dennis Lim Swan Seng at about 12.40am on June 20.

Aminurrashid and Iqbal went off to find their friends and one of them, Hassan Mansoor Mohamad, 19, suggested attacking the other group. The trio, plus Mohd Fadli Yusoff, 23, and Rahu Syad Mohamad Yusoff, 22, then went looking for Mr Lim.

Along the way, Hassan picked up a yellow plastic 'Wet Floor' sign, which he used to hit Mr Lim in the face, who was treated for cuts to his face and hands.

Aminurrashid, who had also pleaded guilty to possessing methamphetamine last month, was jailed a year for the drug offence. Both sentences are to run concurrently.

 

[facadegeniality]

Re: Downtown East rioter jailed 6 weeks

any updates on the DTE incident? how come like no news alr?

 

[Krizalid]

One pleads guilty to Downtown East murder


SINGAPORE: The first of the group involved in the DowntownEast murder has pleaded guilty.

21—year—old JasonChew Wei Beng admitted to three charges on Wednesday.

Prosecution is proceeding on two of the three charges — rioting and voluntarily causing hurt.

Chew admitted to causing grievous hurt to 19—year—old Darren Ng Wei Jie on 30 October 2010, between 5.30pm and 5.57pm, at the foyer of DowntownEast.

He did so with 11 members of an unlawful assembly, by slashing and stabbing the deceased with knives, choppers and a screwdriver.

In mitigation, defence counsel Tan Beng Swee told the court that his client did not expect a fight to take place at DowntownEast as his friends did not warn him about it.

Mr Tan said Chew subsequently met his other friends and for fear of getting implicated, he kept a distance from the group as he walked behind them.

The defence lawyer added that Chew then went to McDonald’s with two of his friends and were taunted by the girlfriends of his buddies.

At that time, two groups were said to be arguing outside the fast food chain.

Trying not to lose face, the trio at McDonald’s went out to help their friends.

Unfortunately for Chew, Mr Tan said the fight broke out just as he went to join his group of friends.

Mr Tan also stressed that Chew is not a secret society member.

He pointed out that Chew, unlike his other friends who were in for a fight, did not bring or buy choppers or knives.

Wrapping up, Mr Tan said none of the injuries inflicted on the deceased was due to Chew.

In response, Deputy Public Prosecutor Peggy Pao said the charges were amended and reduced to reflect the lesser culpability of Chew’s involvement.

While Chew tried to distant himself from the group, he remained.

DPP Pao said he could have walked away when taunted, instead of giving in, but he did not and the act of joining the fight shows that he lacked morals.

She added that Chew cannot claim the glory of being in a fight, yet hope that later on he would not have to face the consequences.

Prosecution added that Chew had been placed on probation previously but still went ahead to take part in the fight.

For rioting, Chew faces a jail term of up to seven years and shall be liable to caning.

He admitted that he punched the head of 20—year—old Yeo Jun Liang on 6 April 2010 at about 6.10pm at Bishan bus interchange, together with three friends.

For this charge, Chew faces a maximum jail term of two years, or with fine of up to S$5,000, or both.

Sentencing will take place on the 6 March.

— CNA/ck

 

[Krizalid]

Man gets jail and cane for rioting at Downtown East

Published on Mar 6, 2012

(From left to right), Chong Rui Hong, Chew Wei Beng Jason and Ng Wei Lun in a police van on Nov 19 2010 before they were charged with Darren Ng?s murder. Chew was jailed 4 years and ordered to receive six strokes of the cane. -- ST PHOTO: WONG KWAI CHOW

By Elena Chong

The first man to be convicted of rioting at Downtown East which resulted in the death of a polytechnic student was jailed for four years and ordered to be given six strokes of the cane on Tuesday.

In total, Jason Chew Wei Beng, 21, has to serve 4-1/2 years behind bars as he was jailed for six months for punching a 20-year-old man with two others at Bishan Bus Interchange in April 2010.

He was out on bail for the April incident when he committed rioting with 11 others at Pasir Ris Close six months later by associating with secret society gang members.

He pleaded guilty last month to the two charges. In the rioting at Downtown East on Oct 30, 2010, the court heard that one or more in Chew's group used violence by slashing and stabbing Mr Darren Ng Wei Jie, 19, with knives, choppers and a screwdriver.

Read the full story in Wednesday's edition of The Straits Times.

 

[Alto Saotome]

Jason Chew Wei Beng, 21
​

 

[Akuma]

Second youth in Downtown East killing jailed 5 years

Published on May 4, 2012

Puay De Feng, 21, who was involved in the Downtown East gang-related fight which left a student dead was convicted on Friday. He is the second man to be convicted in the case. -- ST PHOTO: WONG KWAI CHOW

By Elena Chong
A second man involved in the Downtown East gang-related fight which left a student dead was convicted on Friday.

Puay De Feng, 21, then a secret society gang member, was sentenced to a total of five years and six strokes of the cane after pleading guilty to rioting at Pasir Ris Close and voluntarily causing hurt to a Korean national at St James Power Station.

The victim, Darren Ng Wei Jie, 19, who was from a rival gang, was slashed and stabbed by one or more members in Puay's group at the main foyer of the Pasir Ris Close shopping mall on Oct 30, 2010.

Investigation showed that the incident arose out of bad blood between Stilwell Ong Keat Pin, 20, and Dickson Ng Teck Seng, 20, who was in Darren Ng's gang.

Read the full story in Friday's edition of The Straits Times.

 

[Ultŕaman]

Re: MPs to raise gang issue


Jail, cane for four youths involved in Downtown East riot
Posted: 18 July 2012 1520 hrs

SINGAPORE: Four more youths who were part of a group accused of rioting at Downtown East in 2010 were sentenced to jail and caning on Wednesday.

23-year-old Tang Jia Min received a jail term of six years and three months, as well as six strokes of the cane. 19-year-old Ho Wei Quan was sentenced to five years' jail and six strokes of the cane.

22-year-old Lewis Wee Jun Jie was sentenced to four years and 10 months' jail and six strokes of the cane.

20-year-old Chong Rui Hong was given the lightest sentence - of four years' jail and three strokes of the cane.

The district judge described his culpability as "slightly lower" compared with his fellow accomplices.

The four were members of an unlawful assembly that caused grievous hurt to 19-year-old Darren Ng Wei Jie at the foyer of Downtown East on October 30, 2010.

One or more members of the group stabbed and slashed the Republic Polytechnic student with knives, choppers and a screwdriver.

Ng, a member of a gang, died of multiple injuries.

Previously in mitigation, the lawyers of Ho, Wee and Chong highlighted the relatively minor role their clients played in the incident. However, the court heard that Tang had played a "very instrumental part".

Deputy Public Prosecutor Peggy Pao emphasised that Tang was not a bystander and was "very much part of the active group that confronted the victim". The court also heard that Tang had a string of previous offences, including snatch theft and mischief.

Six of the 11 accused have been sentenced so far.

Jason Chew Wei Beng, the first of the group to be prosecuted for rioting, was given four years' jail and six strokes of the cane, while 21-year-old Puay De Feng received five years' jail and six strokes of the cane.

-CNA/ac

 

[scroobal]

Re: MPs to raise gang issue

I bet with Ramseth that none of them will hanged. Their murder was down graded for causing grievous hurt. So next time you want to kill someone make sure you do it as part of a gang. Imagine slashed to death with multiple injuries and it is called grievous hurt. Smuggle 15 grams of heroin and you are hanged. I have no clue why secret societies are given this discount. I have heard arguments where the person who inflicted the fatal blow cannot be ascertained which is ridiculous. The intent is clear, there is pre-meditation , weapons were brought in etc.

Now these guys will wear this as badge of honour and come out and form the new leadership.

 

[Akuma]

5 plead guilty to culpable homicide in Downtown East murder

AsiaOne
Monday, Jul 30, 2012

SINGAPORE - Five youths who were involved in the 2010 Downtown East fight that led to the death of a student pleaded guilty to culpable homicide today.

The five, who are facing the most serious charges among the 12 young men who have been charged for their involvement in the clash, include: Ho Wui Ming, 22, Chen Wei Zhen, 21, Edward Tay Wei Loong, 20, Louis Tong Qing Yao, 17, and Stilwell Ong Keat Pin, 20.

The Straits Times reported that prosecutors asked for at least 15 years' jail and 12 strokes of the cane for Ong, the main culprit, and between 12 and 15 years' jail and 10 strokes of the cane each for the other four.

In October 2010, two rival gangs met in Downtown East for settlement talks due to bad blood between Stillwell Ong Keat Pin, a member of the rival gang, and Mr Dickson Ng Teck Seng, a member of the victim's gang.

In the fight that broke out, Chew and 11 other members slashed and stabbed Darren Ng Wei Jie, 19, with knives, choppers and a screwdriver. He suffered 28 injuries on his head, neck, chest and limbs. He died in hospital about five hours later.

The paper reported that mitigation and sentencing has been adjourned to a later date as the youths' lawyer, Mr Subhas Anandan, is on medical leave.

Seven of the 12 accused in the case have earlier pleaded guilty to rioting. Six have been sentenced to between four years' jail and three strokes of the cane, and six years and three months' jail and six strokes of the cane.

The seventh will be sentenced on Aug 8.

[email protected]

 

[Imperial Cruiser]

5 in Downtown East fatal stabbing jailed, to be caned

ChannelNewsasia.com - 7 September 2012 6:30 PM | Updated 7:43 PM

<cite style="display: block; font-style: normal; font-size: 10px; margin: 4px 0px; ">5 in Downtown East fatal stabbing...</cite>
SINGAPORE: Five youths who stabbed and slashed a polytechnic student in a 2010 Downtown East fight will be jailed and caned.

The five youths, aged between 17 and 22, pleaded guilty to culpable homicide and were sentenced on Friday.

In the incident, 19-year-old Darren Ng Wei Jie died from his injuries after being slashed and stabbed with knives, choppers and a screwdriver by a group of more than 10 youths.

• Ho Wui Ming, 22, was jailed 11 years, 3 months and sentenced to 10 strokes of the cane
• Chen Wei Zhen, 21, was sentenced to 10 years and 10 strokes
• Edward Tay Wei Loong, 20, was sentenced to 10 years and 10 strokes
• Louis Tong Qing Yao, 17, was sentenced to 8 years and 11 strokes
• Stilwell Ong Keat Pin, 20, was sentenced to 12 years and 12 strokesSeven others linked to the case have earlier been jailed and caned for rioting.
  

Ong, believed to be the main culprit, received the stiffest sentence. Prosecutors argued that he had gathered the accused and other accomplices to Downtown East for the confrontation.

Two others also faced separate charges relating to moneylending, theft, and mischief.

Ho faced two other charges for theft and mischief, while Tong faced two moneylending-related charges.

In mitigation, their lawyers said the fight had erupted in the heat of the moment and that the boys were genuinely remorseful.

 

[Kensuke]

Last Downtown East attacker gets 39 months' jail, 3 strokes of cane
Posted: 24 September 2012 1637 hrs

SINGAPORE: The last of the 12 youths involved in a gang clash in 2010 at Downtown East that left a polytechnic student dead was sentenced to three years and three months' jail, as well as three strokes of the cane.

Twenty-year-old Ng Wei Lun was convicted of rioting on Monday.

In the clash, 19-year-old Darren Ng Wei Jie died after he was slashed and stabbed with knives, choppers and a screwdriver by a group of more than 10 youths.

Court documents showed that Ng had not hurt the polytechnic student and had used his arm to deflect a blow from the baton used by the victim.

Five youths were sentenced earlier this month after they pleaded guilty to culpable homicide, while six others were jailed and caned for rioting.

The heaviest sentence was meted out to 20-year-old Stilwell Ong Keat Pin, who was believed to have been the main culprit.

Prosecutors argued that he had gathered the accused and other accomplices to Downtown East for the confrontation.

He received 12 years' jail and 12 strokes of the cane.

Defence Counsel Josephus Tan argued for reformative training, citing the reason that Ng was young and could be fully rehabilitated.

District Judge Liew Thiam Leng decided to impose a stiff sentence - on the premise that the offence was committed in full view of a crowd on a Saturday evening on 30 October 2010, and that the brutal attack generated concern and alarm among the public.

- CNA/ck