I am sure most of us would have read/heard about the stabbing in cident at Downtown East. Husby told me about it on Sunday morning.

When I first heard the news , I was naturally shocked .... then came fear, sadness and anger.

1) Downtown East is a family place. Heck, we are there practically every week, either to make a pit stop at Coffee Bean, get dinner or hop over to Macs for a night snack. The incident happened at around 6 pm on a Saturday !!! OMG. Crowds of witnesses...I would probably faint if I had seen it with my own eyes.

2) Staring incident? Oh, come one! You've heard of quarrels or fights with the same reason. Although that is still wrong, killing takes it to a whole new level! What in the world were these youths doing with their brains (if any)?!

3) This is different from the Orchard Towers incident. That was pre-planned so the weapons were understood (again , NOT condoning). But this was spontaneous and those murderers actually had parangs with them. Seriously, what the hell.... I feel so angry just thinking about it. We are not talking about deserted alleys.... this is a family leisure area yet, you have such idiots hanging around. Such blatant disregard for the law and public's safety should be punished severely.

4) The victim was husby's ex-student...he taught him many years ago. Now, I fear for my students. We always advise them not to hang out till late at night, always be in places where there are a lot of people....yadayadayada..... but does it matter now? When a murder can take place in broad daylight , in FULL VIEW of hundreds of people perhaps? Sigh..... I think I fear for everyone now....

5) I am 'amazed' at the murderers' stupidity. Again , referring to the Orchard Towers incident, that was done in the wee hours in the morning , at a deserted place, but suspects were caught in a matter of days. Now , obviously that did not strike their minds - that they would be caught, with the efficiency of Singapore law and the numerous CCTVs around. Perhaps, that is what one calls "young blood" . I am not impressed.

According to the article this morning, four suspects have been caught. All are above 18 and thus subjected to death penalty if convicted. Good riddance and hopefully , a good deterrant.

I hope the family of the deceased will stay strong .... and I really pray for the safety of all youths (or otherwise) out there .

I still believe Singapore is a very safe place to be in .....with the exception of such mindless acts once in a while.

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You can read the article below

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Police arrest four suspects over Downtown East murder

Downtown East in Pasir Ris

SINGAPORE: Police have arrested four Chinese male suspects, aged between 18 and 20 years, in connection with the murder of a youth at Downtown East in Pasir Ris on Saturday.

Darren Ng Wei Jie, 19, was attacked by a group of persons. He sustained serious injuries and died in hospital.

Police arrested the suspects on Monday evening after establishing their identities following thorough investigations.

Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police Ng Boon Gay, Director of Criminal Investigation Department, commended the police officers for their extensive investigations and speed in apprehending the suspects.

He said, "Such violent behaviour and blatant disregard for the law will not be condoned. Police will see to it that those who perpetuate violence will be dealt with to the fullest extent of our laws."

The four suspects will be charged in court with murder on Wednesday. If convicted, they face the death penalty.

— CNA/de