A shocking tragedy unfolded in Yishun on Tuesday morning when a long-standing neighbourly dispute allegedly escalated into a fatal stabbing. Police confirmed that a 66-year-old man was arrested after he allegedly attacked a couple in their thirties, leaving the wife dead and her husband injured.
The incident occurred around 7am at Block 323 Yishun Central. Residents were jolted awake by screams and commotion in the common corridor. Witnesses recalled seeing the woman, later identified as a 31-year-old Vietnamese national, lying unconscious and “covered in blood” near the lift. Her husband, aged 33, tried desperately to shield her from the knife attack but was also wounded in the process, reported Lianhe Zaobao
According to eyewitness accounts, another neighbour quickly ushered the couple’s two young sons, believed to be aged two and five, into his flat for safety. A different resident bravely intervened by kicking the weapon away from the alleged assailant. Despite these efforts, the woman succumbed to her injuries after being rushed to hospital.
Years of Dispute Over Noise Complaints
Investigations suggest that the incident stemmed from an ongoing conflict over noise. Neighbours told reporters that the accused frequently complained about the children making noise while playing. One resident said the disagreement had persisted for years, though the young family typically kept to themselves.
The suspect, however, was not described as hostile by everyone. Another neighbour recounted how the man was sociable, enjoyed talking about plants, and even shared food and gifts with neighbours during festive occasions. Residents expressed shock that he was allegedly involved in such a violent confrontation.
The couple had only lived in the estate for about two years, while the alleged attacker had been a long-time resident. This stark contrast in neighbourly experiences added to the disbelief of the community.
Police Investigations Underway
The Singapore Police Force confirmed receiving multiple calls for assistance. When officers arrived, they found three people injured at the sixth-floor corridor. The 31-year-old woman was conveyed unconscious to hospital and later pronounced dead. Two men, aged 33 and 67, were hospitalised conscious.
The older man has since been arrested on suspicion of murder. Images from the scene showed police speaking to a bald man sitting on the ground with bloodstains on his legs, believed to be the suspect.
Investigations are ongoing, and authorities are expected to review whether the dispute could have been mediated earlier to prevent such a tragedy.
This case has once again put a spotlight on the challenges of managing neighbour disputes in high-density housing estates such as HDB flats, where sound disturbances are among the most common causes of conflict.
Image Source: Lianhe Zaobao