In a shocking incident that unfolded in Johor Bahru (JB) on the night of October 27, 25-year-old Xie Zhiyu was stabbed repeatedly to death outside a nightclub in Johor Bahru, with two Singaporean suspects being arrested subsequently, along with a Malaysian woman, according to China Press.
One of the suspects, 26-year-old Singaporean Fu Yiming, was charged in court yesterday with murder, where he faces the possible death penalty if convicted.
The Stabbing Incident in Johor Bahru (JB)
At approximately 3 a.m. on that night, an unidentified assailant stabbed Xie outside a nightclub in JB. The 25-year-old victim suffered at least nine stab wounds.
An assailant mercilessly stabbed the young man repeatedly. Struggling to escape, the victim staggered across the street and managed to find refuge on a chair in front of a nearby shop.
With his phone in hand, he attempted to seek help but, tragically, his efforts proved futile. In a matter of minutes, he succumbed to his injuries, collapsing to the ground.
The surveillance footage from that ill-fated night revealed a disturbing detail: a police vehicle drove past the scene while the victim was still alive but he didn’t ask them for help.
The situation took a dramatic turn when local police encountered a suspicious Singapore-registered Audi along Jalan Tanjong Puteri around 5.30 a.m.
The car attempted to evade law enforcement, but the driver lost control, resulting in a collision with two other vehicles.
The Audi eventually crashed into the fence at Istana Besar, marking a chaotic and destructive end to the escape attempt.
The Arrested Suspects
During the arrest, law enforcement apprehended three individuals from the crashed Audi, two of whom were Singaporean.
In a twist, a knife and a razor blade were recovered from the scene. Moreover, drug tests conducted on the suspects yielded positive results for methamphetamine, as the Singaporeans were subsequently arrested and linked to the murder case at the nightclub.
Charges and Possible Penalties
The severity of the crime became apparent as charges were filed against the suspects.
One of the Singaporean men, Fu Yiming, faced a murder charge for the stabbing incident. If convicted, Fu could potentially face the death penalty, highlighting the gravity of the offense, according to China Press.
In addition to the murder charge, he was charged with a violation of Section 15(1)(a) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, as he tested positive for methamphetamine at the time of his arrest.
If found guilty of this offense, he might face a jail term of less than two years or a fine of RM5,000 (S$1,432.81).
However, despite his positive drug test, Fu denied the charges against him in court.
Court Proceedings and Defiant Attitude
Court proceedings commenced on October 31, bringing the accused, Fu Yiming, before the law. It was reported that he faced the charges with a sense of defiance, raising eyebrows in the courtroom.
The gravity of the situation and the potential consequences did not seem to deter his audacious demeanor, as he shouted at the media outside the courtroom to “film me!” while asking them “you never cover a murder case before is it?”
The victim
According to Sin Chew Daily, the alleged murder victim was 25-year-old Xie Zhiyu, an electrician working at a university in Skudai, Johor. Those who knew him described him as a filial son who never found himself in trouble or stayed out late.
Zhiyu’s parents shared their heartfelt sentiments during his wake, painting a picture of a son who was not only responsible but also deeply caring.
He was the type of person who would go home promptly after his work shift and, at most, enjoy tea with friends. Such responsible behavior led his parents to have absolute faith in his safety and well-being.
Unanswered Questions
What remains a point of confusion for the grieving family is Zhiyu’s reluctance to confide in them about any problems he might have been facing.
This aspect of his character has become a perplexing mystery, making it challenging for his parents to comprehend what could have transpired on that fateful night.
The Fateful Night
On the night of the incident, Zhiyu left his home without disclosing his destination to his parents. This departure raised alarm bells when the family received a call from one of Zhiyu’s friends around 3 a.m.
It was then that they learned of the grim situation. Unfortunately, by the time they arrived at the scene, it was too late.
The father revealed that he watched surveillance footage of the incident. In the video, Zhiyu was seen sitting on a chair along a walkway before tragically falling from his seat.
This shocking turn of events has left his family in a state of despair, as they try to piece together the events leading up to this tragedy.
A Community Grieves
At the funeral, his boss paid tribute with several wreaths, highlighting the high regard in which Zhiyu was held.
As the investigation into this tragic incident unfolds, many questions still linger. The father expressed that he does not recognize the Singaporean suspects, and he also not sure if his son had a girlfriend at the time or not.
Header image sources: China Press and China Press.