Tan Sen Yang, one of seven individuals involved in a fatal brawl at Orchard Towers in 2019, is the sole member still facing a murder charge related to the incident.
The case has captured the attention of the public due to its grim nature and the potential consequences for Tan.
Tan was in court on Tuesday (3 October) for the first day of his murder trial in the High Court, where he is being charged with the murder of 31-year-old Satheesh Noel Gobidass on 2 July 2019 at about 6.25am, according to The Straits Times.
He will face either the death penalty or life in prison with caning if he is convicted of the murder.
What happened?
The incident occurred on July 2, 2019, at approximately 6:25 am. Tan Sen Yang, aged 27 at the time, was at Orchard Towers when a dispute escalated into a violent confrontation.
What makes this case particularly disturbing is the weapon he was wielding—a karambit knife with a curved blade and a finger ring at the end of the handle.
Surveillance footage played during the trial revealed that Tan punched the victim, Mr. Satheesh Noel Gobidass, three times in the face while brandishing the karambit knife.
The weapon, however, was never recovered, as Tan discarded it before surrendering to the police.
The Consequences
Tragically, Mr. Satheesh succumbed to his injuries about an hour later at Tan Tock Seng Hospital. An autopsy revealed that he died from a stab wound to the neck.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Hay Hung Chun emphasized in his opening address that the evidence would demonstrate Tan’s intent to cause this injury, refuting any claims of an accident or unintended harm.
The Build-Up to the Altercation
The altercation was not a spontaneous event. Tan and his friends had arrived at the club around 5:25 am on that fateful day.
At approximately 6:20 am, tensions flared as they engaged in a dispute with another group of patrons, which included Mr. Muhammad Fairus Muhammad Ali. Tan and his friends were also shouting gang slogans.
Security officers intervened to quell the situation, but Tan continued to behave aggressively, even waving the karambit knife.
The Series of Violent Acts
During the scuffle that ensued, Tan allegedly slashed Mr. Fairus’ face, leaving a permanent scar. He also allegedly cut the finger of a security guard, Mr B. Barathkrishnan, who was trying to de-escalate the situation. Tan faced two assault charges related to these injuries, although they were temporarily set aside.
After security officers managed to separate the two groups, Tan and his friends headed to the ground floor. It was here that Mr. Satheesh, an acquaintance of Mr. Fairus, confronted Tan’s group. The confrontation quickly escalated, leading to Tan’s violent assault on Mr. Satheesh.
Tan’s Flight and Surrender
Following the brutal assault, Tan and his companions continued to attack Mr. Satheesh before fleeing the scene. Tan, covered in blood, sought refuge at Mr. Loo Boon Chong’s residence, where he changed out of his bloodstained T-shirt. Mr. Loo later disposed of the incriminating evidence, while Tan discarded the murder weapon.
Upon learning of the victim’s demise, Tan decided to surrender. He contacted the police, leading to his arrest near the Toa Payoh South Community Club around 2:35 pm later that day.
The Co-Defendants’ Outcomes
The six other individuals initially arrested alongside Tan faced murder charges but saw their charges reduced to less serious offenses based on their respective roles in the incident.
- Loo Boon Chong was jailed 5 months for disposing of Tan’s bloodstained shirt.
- Natalie Siow Yu Zhen was jailed 5 months for assault and being in the company of someone with an illegal weapon.
- Joel Tan Yun Sheng was jailed 4 weeks for assault.
- Ang Da Yuan was jailed 7 months and given six strokes of the cane for assault and being in the company of Tan.
- Chan Jia Xing received a conditional warning, which does not result in a conviction or a criminal record.
- Tan Hong Sheng was jailed 4 years and 9 months, as well as being given 12 strokes of the cane for being in the company of Tan and for two unrelated rioting charges.
The Trial Ahead
With Tan Sen Yang’s trial underway, a total of 47 prosecution witnesses are lined up to provide their testimony. Tan is being defended by Mr. Teo Choo Kee, Mr. Subir Singh Grewal, and Mr. Nichol Yeo.