(No photo available of victim)
On January 9, 2003, a horrific crime took place in Chai Chee, Singapore. Thabun Pranee, a 26-year-old Thai housewife, was tragically murdered. Her attacker, Tan Chee Wee, a 29-year-old Malaysian assistant store supervisor, was an acquaintance of Thabun's Singaporean husband.
Discovery of the Crime
The crime was discovered when 49-year-old delivery driver Ler Lee Mong returned home to find the door of his flat open and blood on the floor. Inside, he found his wife, Thabun Pranee, dead in their bedroom. Thabun had sustained fatal head injuries and a stab wound to her neck, inflicted by blunt force trauma.
Investigation and Arrest
Police investigations revealed that several valuables, including a Rolex watch and cash, were missing from the flat. Forensic examination confirmed that Thabun's head injuries were the primary cause of death.
The police interviewed several acquaintances of Ler and Thabun, including Tan Chee Wee, who had called the flat earlier that day. Although Tan initially denied visiting the flat, he eventually confessed to committing the crime. He admitted to robbing and killing Thabun to avoid being identified. Tan was arrested shortly after his confession, and the stolen items were recovered.
Trial and Conviction
Tan was charged with murder on January 11, 2003. During the trial, it emerged that Tan was facing significant financial pressures due to gambling debts. He claimed he had intended only to rob the flat but ended up killing Thabun in a struggle. His defense argued that someone else could have killed Thabun after he left.
On September 29, 2003, Tan was found guilty of murder. Justice Woo Bih Li concluded that Tan's actions showed a clear intent to kill Thabun to eliminate her as a witness. Tan was sentenced to death, and his appeal against the conviction and sentence was dismissed on November 17, 2003.
Execution
Tan Chee Wee was executed on June 11, 2004, in Changi Prison. The case was later featured on Singapore's crime show Crimewatch, which detailed the investigation and Tan's arrest. In November 2005, a police officer involved in solving the case was honored for his contributions.
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