Teck Whye Lane temple murder suspect arrested

[RoyalGuard]

Teck Whye Lane temple murder suspect arrested

Police officers inspecting the scene where Mr Tan Poh Huat's body was found in the temple.PHOTO: ST FILE

Published 5 hours ago

Chew Hui Min

SINGAPORE - A 47-year-old man was arrested on Wednesday (Feb 24) in relation to the murder of a bookmaker at a Teck Whye Lane temple, said police.

Mr Tan Poh Huat, 53, was found dead at the Chua Chu Kang Lian Sing Keng temple on the morning of Feb 14.

A 2m trail of blood was seen outside the prayer hall, and his body lay motionless on the ground. Chinese evening daily Lianhe Wanbao reported that he was struck on the back of his head with a hammer. He was pronounced dead by paramedics at 7.09am.

Mr Tan, who was divorced and unemployed, had been living in the temple for the past five years.

It is understood that he had sustained a head injury.

Mr Tan's daughter and 32-year-old son, Junqiang, at his wake yesterday at Teck Whye Avenue. Mr Tan especially doted on Junqiang, who lives in a centre for people with special needs on weekdays, said family and friends.

Mr Tan's sister believes he was killed for his money. She said CCTV footage showed a masked man climbing into the temple at night.

His sister, Madam Tan Sui Kee, 60, a part-time sales worker, said he was not known to have been involved in any disputes.

He was reportedly a runner for a bookie and had $10,000 on him at the time of his death. However, no money was found on him.

He left behind three children, and is said to have doted on his eldest son Junqiang. The 32-year-old lives in a centre for people with special needs on weekdays, but would visit his father at the temple on the weekend.

Mr Tan also had kidney problems. Aside from going to dialysis sessions at Ang Mo Kio thrice a week, he spent his days at a coffee shop near the temple where he was always seen with friends.