In a chilling case that has rocked Singapore, Teo Ghim Heng, a former property agent, was executed on April 16, 2023, for the brutal murders of his pregnant wife and their four-year-old daughter back in 2017.

Teo, 49, committed the heinous act on January 20, 2017, strangling his wife, 39-year-old Choong Pei Shan, who was six months pregnant, and their daughter, Zi Ning, in their Woodlands flat. After the murders, he infamously attempted to cover his tracks by setting their bodies on fire.

The execution was carried out at Changi Prison Complex, following a thorough legal process that included representation during both the trial and appeal. Despite multiple petitions for clemency, all were denied.

A Case of Desperation and Violence

Teo's downward spiral began years prior to the murders. Once a thriving property agent, his fortunes dwindled around 2015 due to a market downturn. By late 2016, he was deeply in debt, owing approximately $120,000, and had resorted to a sales job at a renovation firm. Tensions escalated within the household as financial strains and Teo’s gambling problem took their toll.

An explosive argument broke out just days before the murders. On January 18, Teo and Choong clashed over their dire financial state, and he resurrected painful memories of an earlier affair she had.

On the day of the crime, when Choong discovered Teo had skipped sending their daughter to school over unpaid fees, she confronted him. Infuriated, Teo strangled his wife first, ensuring her death with brutal force, before turning on Zi Ning.

A Grim Aftermath

Following the murders, Teo displayed an eerie indifference. He slept beside the lifeless bodies for a week, keeping the air-conditioning on to mask the decomposition. In a desperate attempt to escape justice, he attempted to burn the evidence, claiming he initially intended to join them in death but couldn't withstand the heat.

The tragic revelation came on January 28, 2017, the first day of Chinese New Year, when Choong's family reported their absence to the authorities.

Justice Served, But at a High Cost

Teo was convicted of two counts of murder, with a third charge for the death of his unborn son dropped by the prosecution. The High Court rejected his claims of provocation, emphasizing the calculated measures he took to conceal his crimes—such as buying air fresheners to mask the stench.

Even during his appeal, he attempted to shift blame, insisting he had suffered from depression that mitigated his culpability. However, the Court of Appeal upheld the initial ruling, affirming that he did not meet the criteria for major depressive disorder.

This tragic case highlights the severe consequences of domestic strife and mental health issues, culminating in a heartbreaking loss that will resonate within the community for years to come.