Eight-month-old baby Trevor Neo passed away at KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital on 2 September, leaving his relatives grief-stricken. His parents, 21-year-old Chloe Gan Ci Xuan and 25-year-old Neo Jia Ming, were charged on 3 September with their child’s death. Gan was accused of causing Trevor’s death, while Neo was accused of allowing it to occur. Court documents did not specify the actions leading to Trevor’s death.
Background
The couple allegedly committed their offences in a residential unit at a Housing and Development Board (HDB) block in Hougang on 1 September. Gan and Neo had been living with two of Neo’s uncles in the unit. Another aunt and uncle lived on the same floor. Neo had been living with his youngest uncle since secondary school due to a strained relationship with his family. Gan moved in after they started dating, and the couple had been living together for about a year before Trevor’s birth.
Couple placed baby under care of babysitter & other family members
After Gan gave birth, she lived with her own family for two months for postpartum confinement before moving back to Neo’s uncle’s unit. The couple placed Trevor under the care of a babysitter in the mornings, and Neo’s youngest uncle also helped care for him. The couple officially tied the knot in August 2023 and celebrated with a buffet for friends and family.
Couple ‘rarely’ spoke to family members
Neo worked in the logistics industry, while Gan worked in the pet industry. Despite living in the same HDB block as their family members, the couple rarely interacted with them. Neo’s youngest uncle noted that most conversations with the couple revolved around Trevor’s care. The couple typically left their room at around 7 am to take Trevor to the babysitter and returned after work to place him under the uncle’s care.
What allegedly happened before Trevor’s passing
On the evening of 1 September, Neo’s uncle placed Trevor in a cradle in his parent’s bedroom around 9 pm. Neo was playing mobile games, and Gan had just exited the bathroom. The uncle’s last interaction with Trevor was telling him to sleep soon. Around 11:30 pm, the uncle heard someone locking the door and saw Gan with Trevor strapped to her back. Neo informed him they were taking Trevor to the hospital. At around 2 am on 2 September, the uncle received the shocking news of Trevor’s passing.
Police cordoned off couple’s bedroom
Following Trevor’s death, the police arrived at the unit for investigations, interviewing Neo’s uncle and later bringing Gan and Neo to the scene. The police took photos in the couple’s bedroom and seized some items. They locked the bedroom and instructed the uncle not to open it, placing a handwritten note on the door to keep it shut per police instructions.
Senior family members grief-stricken
Neo’s youngest uncle expressed his anger towards the couple, stating he couldn’t believe Trevor passed away in just two hours. Trevor had only recently started learning to stand. Neo’s aunt shared that the family found it difficult to accept Trevor’s death, describing him as a lively and cheerful baby with a sweet smile.
Family wanted to celebrate Trevor’s 1st birthday
On 4 September, seven family members, including Neo’s mother, retrieved Trevor’s body from Singapore General Hospital, bringing his favourite clothes, toys, and milk powder. The family had planned to celebrate Trevor’s first birthday at the end of 2024 but now cannot. They will send Trevor’s body for cremation without hosting a funeral due to his young age.
Couple’s case adjourned
Gan and Neo’s case was adjourned to 24 September. Those convicted of causing or allowing the death of a child below 14 years old in the same household could face up to 20 years in jail, a fine, or caning. However, Gan cannot be caned as she is a woman.
