A man charged with the murder of one of his late twin sons is under psychiatric observation today after a court hearing.
Xavier Yap Jung Houn, 48, was placed in Changi Prison’s Complex Medical Centre after a Saturday hearing rather than appearing for another scheduled for today, according to court officials. They did not elaborate on the reason.
He was accused last week of murdering 11-year-old Yap E Chern Ethan, one of the twin brothers found dead in a dry canal bed earlier this month. Both boys have been described as having special needs, though no additional information has been made public.
Yap was arrested a day after their bodies were found Jan. 21. He was charged Jan. 24. While he has so far only been charged in one boy’s death, he still faces the possibility of a second murder count.
The nation paid its respects to the children by holding a prayer circle and leaving food offerings, flowers, and candles where they died near the Greenridge Crescent playground in Upper Bukit Timah.
Yap is expected to be back in court Feb. 18. He faces the death penalty if found guilty of murder.
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