A 34-year-old Singaporean man was sentenced to one week’s jail for failing to report the death of his girlfriend, whose body was only discovered four days after he found her lifeless in her Hougang flat.
According to Channel News Asia (CNA), Jason Hong Kai Qi was originally charged with concealing a corpse, but the charge was later reduced.
In addition to the sentence for failing to report a death, Hong received penalties for unrelated traffic offences, bringing his total punishment to three months and one week’s imprisonment, a S$1,000 (US$786) fine, and a 12-month driving ban.
The victim, a 33-year-old mother of two, was found dead in her home on April 27, 2024, four days after Hong discovered her unresponsive on her bed. Her name was not disclosed in court documents.
On April 23, Hong found her lying motionless with a blanket pulled up to her neck in a darkened room. He attempted to revive her with chest compressions and an inhaler but failed.
Instead of contacting emergency services, Hong took some belongings and left the unit. He placed his access card in an envelope outside and later texted her sister, saying only that the victim was “uncontactable.”
Her sister eventually went to the flat with the victim’s children and found the body already decomposing. Paramedics confirmed her death. An autopsy could not determine the cause due to advanced decomposition.
Hong also pleaded guilty to separate offences from 2022, including driving without a licence, crashing into a taxi, and persuading a friend to falsely claim responsibility. He then lied to the police about who was behind the wheel.
Prosecutors sought a three-month sentence for obstruction of justice and a brief jail term for failing to report the death.
Hong’s defence argued he panicked upon finding his girlfriend and acted out of confusion and distress. They said his messages to her sister were not meant to deceive.
District Judge Sharmila Sripathy-Shanaz noted that failing to report a death is uncommon but important, as the law ensures prompt police notification for proper investigation. She highlighted that Hong’s inaction caused a four-day delay and that his messages implied the woman was still alive.
Under Singapore law, failing to report a death carries up to one month’s jail, a S$1,500 fine, or both.
