Upper Bukit Timah deaths: Father of 11-year-old boys charged with murder of one son

The father of two 11-year-old brothers found dead in Upper Bukit Timah was charged on Monday (Jan 24) with the murder of one of his sons.

According to the charge sheet, Xavier Yap Jung Houn, 48, is accused of committing murder by causing the death of Yap E Chern Ethan at a covered canal at Greenridge Crescent playground between 4.23 pm and 6.25 pm on Jan 21.

Yap was arrested after the brothers were found lying motionless “in the vicinity” of the playground, police said late Saturday night.

The police said in response to CNA’s queries that they were unable to comment on the case regarding Yap’s other son – identified as Ashton Yap over the weekend by the Straits Times – as court proceedings were ongoing.

Only one charge was tendered in court on Monday morning. If convicted, Yap faces the death penalty.