Sec 4 student arrested over death of Sec 1 boy at River Valley High School

[UPDATE 5.40pm] The police arrested a Secondary 4 student for his suspected involvement in the death of a Secondary 1 boy on Monday (Jul 19). 


They received a call for assistance at River Valley High School at 6 Boon Lay Avenue at about 11.40am. 

When the police arrived at the scene, a 13-year-old male student was found lying motionless with multiple wounds at a toilet in the school.

The boy was pronounced dead on the scene by an SCDF paramedic.

"Preliminary investigations revealed that the two male teenagers are not known to each other," the police said.

The police also seized an axe as a case exhibit and are continuing their investigations into the motive for the assault.

The 16-year-old will be charged in court with murder on Tuesday, with a view to seek an order from the court to remand the teenager for psychiatric assessment.

Pending the court proceedings, the police urged members of the public to refrain from speculating on the case out of respect for the family of the deceased.

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A River Valley High School student was allegedly killed on campus today (July 19), The Straits Times reported.

Shin Min Daily News reported that a student allegedly attacked another student with a knife.

The police were spotted at the school campus along Boon Lay Avenue this afternoon, having deployed a crime scene investigation van, an ambulance, and at least four police vehicles.

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According to the English paper, people believed to be security and school staff were seen letting students out from the main gate of the school.

The school, which offers the six-year Integrated Programme, has students aged 12 to 18.

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In a Facebook post at 4.21pm, education minister Chan Chun Sing said: "We are all shocked to receive news of the tragic incident at River Valley High School this morning."

The Ministry of Education is rendering support to families of the affected students as well as the school's students and staff, he added.

"The safety and well-being of our students and staff are of paramount importance to us.

"We are determined to work with parents and students to keep our schools safe and have our children grow up and learn together in a trusted environment."

He urged students who need help to reach out to adults, teachers or school counsellors, saying: "You are never alone, and we will always stand ready to help you."

lamminlee@asiaone.com