Mother Charged Over Death of 8-Month-Old Boy, Father Charged with Failing to Protect Him

SINGAPORE: A tragic incident unfolded in Hougang, leading to the death of an eight-month-old boy. On September 3, Chloe Gan Ci Xuan, 21, was charged with causing the death of her son, Trevor Neo Yu Hin, while the boy's father, Neo Jia Ming, 25, was charged with failing to protect the child from harm.

The incident reportedly took place on September 1 at a flat in Block 210, Hougang Street 21. Gan is accused of committing an unspecified "unlawful act" that resulted in her son's death. The charge sheet alleges that Gan should have been aware of the significant risk of grievous harm due to the nature and intensity of her actions.

Neo, the father, is charged under the same legal provision for failing to take reasonable steps to protect his son from the unlawful act, which ultimately led to the infant's death.

Both parents, who were married just a month prior on August 2, 2023, appeared in court via video link and were remanded for further investigation. The prosecutor requested a three-week remand period, noting that the charges are serious and triable in the High Court. The case is set to be mentioned again on September 24.

The police became involved after being alerted by KK Women's and Children's Hospital in the early hours of September 2. Following investigations, the parents were arrested later that day.

Under Singapore law, if convicted of causing or allowing the death of a child below 14 years old in a household, both parents could face up to 20 years in prison. Neo may also face fines or caning, while Gan, being a woman, is exempt from caning but could still face imprisonment and fines.