A long period of caregiving, stress and family tension ended in tragedy after a Singaporean man killed his sick younger brother during a late-night dispute.
The unemployed man, identified as Abdul Rani, was sentenced to eight years’ jail by the Singapore High Court on June 30.
He was initially facing a murder charge, but this was later reduced to culpable homicide after he underwent a psychiatric assessment.
Took care of his siblings after mother’s death
According to Lianhe Zaobao, the incident happened at around 4am on March 11, 2025, at a flat in Block 187, Boon Lay Avenue.
Abdul Rani had been living with his 56-year-old younger brother, Abdul Rahman, and two sisters who were both in their 60s.
After their mother passed away in 2010, Abdul Rani became the main person caring for his siblings.
This included bringing them for medical appointments and buying daily necessities for the household.
ST reported that his younger brother reportedly suffered from several chronic illnesses, including diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and chronic kidney disease.
He had also been diagnosed with depression.
Brother started tidying the house late at night
In late January 2025, Abdul Rahman was admitted to hospital for about a month after his legs became swollen.
After he was discharged, he reportedly began tidying the house more frequently, sometimes even moving things around and cleaning up late at night.
This caused Abdul Rani, who had been caring for him for years, to feel increasingly tired and frustrated.
Late-night dispute turned fatal
According to CNA, Abdul Rani was resting in the living room when he heard one of his sisters scolding Abdul Rahman for tidying the house so late at night on the morning of the incident.
He then went into his brother’s room and questioned him about why he kept doing so.
Abdul Rani initially left the room, but later returned while feeling angry and overwhelmed.
The incident then escalated, resulting in his brother’s death.
After that, he told his sister what had happened and called the police himself.
Judge called it a painful family tragedy
In court, the judge described the case as a deeply painful family tragedy.
The court noted that Abdul Rani had attacked a family member who was unable to defend himself, but also accepted that he was affected by mental health issues and caregiver stress at the time.
A psychiatric report found that he had been suffering from adjustment disorder, which affected his mood, anger and ability to properly judge whether his actions were wrong.
The judge also noted that Abdul Rani had mistakenly believed he was ending his brother’s suffering.
Prosecution: Stress is not an excuse for violence
The defence said Abdul Rani had been under immense pressure after caring for his family for years, and that he was worried about his brother’s health and future.
He was also said to be remorseful over what happened.
However, the prosecution stressed that family disputes, caregiver stress or frustration towards a loved one can never justify violence.
Abdul Rani was eventually sentenced to eight years in jail.
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