Teen charged with brother's murder

[MarrickG]

A SECONDARY school student was charged in court yesterday with the murder of his brother who had a history of mental illness.


As soon as Umar Othman, 18, clad in a red T-shirt, appeared in the dock, two of his family members tried to approach him but were told to sit down.

The two were among about a dozen people, including friends, who showed up in court yesterday for his case.

The Pasir Ris Secondary student is alleged to have caused the death of his 22-year-old brother, Muhammad, at their home in Tampines on Wednesday afternoon.

They were said to be quarrelling when a fight ensued.

Mr Muhammad, was found dead in the living room with head injuries.

Umar, who is not represented, was remanded at the Central police division lock-up for a week for further investigation.

When approached outside the Subordinate Courts, Umar’s father, a teacher, said: “Give a chance to my son. Please don’t disturb us.”

One of Umar’s relatives, a woman who declined to be named, said they did not know anything about the incident and were not allowed to speak to or see the teenager.

“We don’t even know what happened. The police were the ones on the scene.

“We are very supportive of each other and we are very close,” she added.