(Actual photo of victim not available)
Overview
On October 20, 2007, in a Marsiling rental flat in Singapore, 45-year-old bus driver Ong Pang Siew strangled his 15-year-old stepdaughter Pan Hui, following a heated argument. This tragic incident led to Ong being charged with murder. Ong had been previously married to Pan's biological mother and had a son with her. The divorce, which had occurred a few months prior, was fraught with disputes over visitation rights to see his son. The confrontation with Pan that day spiraled out of control, resulting in her death.
Quick Facts
Pan Hui: Born in Jilin Province, China, in 1992.
Ong Pang Siew: Born in Singapore on August 17, 1962.
Background
Pan Hui moved to Singapore in 1997 with her mother Xiu Yanhong, who divorced Pan's biological father in 1999. Ong met Xiu the same year she arrived in Singapore and their relationship blossomed, leading to their marriage in 2002. Pan Hui, who became known as Ong Pan Hui, had a strong relationship with Ong, who was described as a caring stepfather.
Despite the initial harmony, marital issues arose due to Xiu's interactions with other men and her work at massage parlours. Eventually, Xiu moved out and filed for divorce in May 2007, gaining custody of Pan and her son. The divorce, finalized in October 2007, left Ong deeply depressed, exacerbated by limited access to his children.
The Murder
On October 20, 2007, after drinking heavily and arguing with Xiu, Ong visited the Marsiling flat to see his son, who was not home. Pan Hui, who had just completed her Primary School Leaving Examinations (PSLE), was present. An argument ensued about the treatment of Ong's son, leading Ong to strangle Pan in a fit of rage. The incident was witnessed by a tenant, Zhao Jing, who called the police.
Ong was found at the scene, sitting on Pan's body, and was subsequently arrested and charged with murder.
Trial and Sentencing
During his trial in 2008, Ong did not deny killing Pan but claimed diminished responsibility due to major depressive disorder. The defense's psychiatrist, Dr. Tommy Tan, testified that Ong's depression, coupled with alcohol intoxication, impaired his mental responsibility. However, the prosecution's psychiatrist, Dr. Jerome Goh, disputed this claim.
On March 12, 2009, Ong was found guilty of murder and sentenced to death. However, upon appeal, the Court of Appeal accepted the diminished responsibility defense and reduced the charge to manslaughter. Ong's death sentence was commuted to ten years' imprisonment.
Aftermath
Pan Hui's funeral was conducted pro bono by undertaker Roland Tay. Her PSLE results, released posthumously, showed she had performed well. The case garnered significant media attention and was featured in crime shows and legal discussions.
Ong was released from prison in 2017, after serving his sentence. The case remains a poignant reminder of the devastating impact of domestic strife and mental health issues on family dynamics.
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