Man charged with murder at Laguna Park asks for death penalty
A 23-year-old man asked to be given the death penalty after he was charged with the murder of a 68-year-old man at Laguna Park.
Police said they received calls for assistance at about 12.45pm on Nov 13 at 5000C Marine Parade Road. The elderly man was found injured and taken unconscious to the hospital, where he later died.
The 23-year-old man, Yang Zhihao (transliterated), was arrested at the scene for voluntarily causing grievous hurt by a dangerous weapon.
An eyewitness earlier told Stomp that Yang had said he had autism, and had attempted to jump from the building before the police arrived.
Man to undergo psychiatric evaluation
Yang was charged with murder at about 9.30am on Nov 15 through a video link. Shin Min Daily News reported that he was appeared calm and was dressed in a white top.
The prosecution applied for him to be remanded for three weeks for psychiatric evaluation.
Upon hearing this, Yang asked the judge whether the assessment would be carried out in prison. The prosecutor replied that it would take place at Changi General Hospital.
Yang then asked the judge if he could be given the death penalty.
The case will be mentioned again on Dec 5. Under Section 302(1) of the Penal Code, a person convicted of murder may face the death penalty.
Judge reiterates case is not at sentencing stage
But when Yang requested to be sentenced to death, the prosecutor responded that investigations were still ongoing.
Yang then asked: "When is the sentence?" The judge reiterated that the case was still being investigated.
When asked if he understood this, Yang replied: "Yes."
The court hearing lasted just four minutes.
