What started as a minor collision outside a lift ended in tragedy when a 69-year-old man died after a violent altercation involving knives and wooden sticks at a HDB block along King George’s Avenue. The shocking incident, which occurred on 22 December 2024, has now led to a 12-month jail sentence for a 72-year-old man after he admitted to attacking with a dangerous weapon.
According to court proceedings on 17 July, the accused, Lin Didi (name transliterated), pleaded guilty to one charge of voluntarily causing hurt with a dangerous weapon. A second charge, involving a reckless act causing harm, was also taken into consideration during sentencing, reported Shin Min Daily News
Tensions Flare Over Lift Dispute
The altercation began around 11am at Block 805 King George’s Avenue. Lin had just returned home with takeaway food and was stepping out of the lift when he accidentally collided with 69-year-old Cai Jintong, who was entering at the same time. The minor brush led to a tense exchange, but both men walked away without further confrontation.
However, things escalated shortly after. Feeling aggrieved, Cai called his neighbour, 66-year-old Hussein, to accompany him to Lin’s flat. Hussein, unaware of Cai’s true intentions, agreed. Cai then armed himself with a wooden stick and confronted Lin at his doorstep.
Brutal Corridor Clash Leads to Fatal Outcome
An argument broke out and Cai struck Lin with the stick. In response, Lin ran to his kitchen and returned wielding a knife. A violent confrontation erupted in the corridor, with both elderly men attacking each other using their weapons.
Cai sustained multiple injuries, including lacerations, bruises, and abrasions to his head, neck, and limbs. Hussein attempted to intervene by restraining Lin and urging both men to stop, but was also injured in the process—his forearm was cut by Lin’s knife.
Despite being wounded, Cai managed to walk down the stairs before collapsing. He later fell unconscious and was rushed to the hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries. It was later revealed that Cai had a pre-existing heart condition, which may have contributed to his death following the physical trauma.
Jail Time for Retaliatory Attack
The judge sentenced Lin to 12 months in jail, noting the seriousness of the weapon used and the fatal outcome of the confrontation. While the incident began from a seemingly trivial lift encounter, the escalation into violence was condemned by the court as both dangerous and avoidable.
Authorities have since reminded the public to resolve disputes peacefully and not resort to violence, especially among seniors. This case has shocked residents in the area, who never expected a simple misunderstanding between elderly neighbours to turn into a fatal brawl.
The tragedy serves as a grim reminder that tempers, once lost, can lead to irreversible consequences—highlighting the need for calm and reasoned responses even in the face of everyday conflicts.
Image Source: Shin Min Daily News