Fled to Malaysia after brutal knife attack in 2011, surrendered in 2023 out of longing for family

A Singaporean man who slashed another man in a fit of rage after finding him in bed with his wife fled the country for over a decade—only to surrender himself 12 years later, driven by a longing to reunite with his family.

The incident occurred on January 25, 2011, after Teo Lye Chye, then 46, received a call from his son alleging that his wife was behaving intimately with another man at her flat in Ang Mo Kio Avenue 10.

Furious, Teo left his rented unit in Toa Payoh, armed himself with a 5-inch kitchen knife, and made his way to the flat.

Court documents revealed that prior to the attack, the victim, Teo’s wife, and their daughters had been drinking at a nearby coffee shop and later continued the gathering at her home.

A dispute erupted between Teo’s son and his mother, leading to the son’s eviction around 5am, after which he alerted his father.

Slashed in Bedroom After Breaking In

Teo met his son under the block and concealed the knife under his shirt. With his son, he headed up to the flat, unaware that his father was armed. Upon gaining entry, they forced open the locked bedroom door where Teo’s wife and the 50-year-old victim were sleeping.

In a sudden burst of violence, Teo slashed the man across the chest and abdomen, causing such deep wounds that his intestines were visible. After the attack, Teo and his son fled the scene. The knife was thrown into a nearby trash can and never recovered.

Victim Underwent Emergency Surgery

The victim, who remained conscious, applied pressure to his abdominal wound while waiting for paramedics.

He was admitted to Tan Tock Seng Hospital with severe injuries, including a lacerated spleen and deep chest and abdominal cuts. He underwent surgery and was discharged three days later.

Though the injuries were not life-threatening in the long term, the man was left with a permanent abdominal scar.

Teo’s daughter and the victim’s daughter, both present in the flat, were awakened by the aftermath, while the family’s domestic helper was ordered to clean the blood.

Escape to Malaysia and Life on the Run

Teo fled Singapore by boat, reportedly paying S$1,500 to be smuggled out via Changi Ferry Terminal into Malaysia. He remained a fugitive for 12 years and 8 months, evading justice until October 17, 2023, when he voluntarily turned himself in to Singapore authorities—driven by a longing to reunite with his family.

The court has not disclosed details on how Teo supported himself during his time in Malaysia or how he evaded detection for over a decade.

Four Charges and a Pending Sentence

Teo, now 60, pleaded guilty on April 30, 2025 to four charges, including voluntarily causing hurt with a weapon and immigration offenses under the Immigration and Customs Acts.

He is scheduled to be sentenced on May 15.

This case has reignited discussions about domestic violence, long-term fugitives, and the psychological consequences of unresolved familial conflicts. Prosecutors have not commented on whether further charges will be brought related to his illegal departure from Singapore.

The case of Teo Lye Chye is a chilling reminder of how personal crises can erupt into violence, with long-term consequences for victims and perpetrators alike. While Teo’s return shows remorse, the justice system must now determine the consequences of his violent act and 12-year flight from accountability.

Sources: Mothership (2025), Shin Min Daily News (2025)

Keywords: Singapore Crime Case, Knife Attack Ang Mo Kio, Domestic Dispute Assault, Teo Lye Chye Case, Long-Term Fugitive Returns, Malaysia Escape Singapore