Further information has come to light about Li Ye, the 37-year-old Chinese national who allegedly killed a 56-year-old man at the City Gate condominium along Beach Road on May 8. Li, also known as “Coco”, was charged with murder on May 9.
According to reports, Li hails from China’s Sichuan province and has two children, a son and a daughter. She and the victim had previously operated an apparel shop together along Selegie Road at Parklane Shopping Mall, but it had ceased operations over a year ago.
The accused and victim had also cohabitated at a Citygate Residences condominium apartment. The victim had a complex business history, with records showing that he had registered at least three companies involved in wholesale trading, device repair, and real estate management and maintenance. However, he had terminated all of these businesses in late August 2018 and had not taken up any positions since.
Moreover, the victim had been married twice, in May 1994 and September 1998. A neighbour claimed to have seen the deceased man’s wife and teenage daughter previously, but not in recent times.
Li and the victim had been in a romantic relationship for several years, with the victim reportedly treating Li very well and spending tens of thousands of dollars on her every month. The victim had also paid for Li’s children’s monthly living expenses.
However, it appears that Li and the victim’s relationship had recently hit a rough patch. A restaurant owner at City Gate condominium, where the pair were regular customers, reported that Li had visited their business alone a few months ago, stating that she and the victim had broken up after a fight.
Li had moved to Singapore five years ago to earn a living and had given birth shortly afterwards. She had been actively losing weight through dancing and doing yoga, and had also run a small online business selling goods from China.
Most recently, Li had worked as a manager at a nightlife establishment at Sultan Plaza, just 70m away from City Gate condominium. However, she did not show up for work on May 8, the day of the alleged murder, and did not provide a reason.
The case is ongoing, with Li’s motive for the alleged murder still unclear.
Top photos via Shin Min Daily News