21-05-2025
S'pore couple found dead in KL knew 13-year-old sexual assault victim
The Singaporean couple found dead at a Taman Taynton View homestay in Cheras on May 16 apparently knew the 13-year-old victim in a sexual assault case they were allegedly being investigated for.
It was earlier reported that 43-year-old Xie Jinde and his wife, 33-year-old Zhuang Shuyi, were found dead by apparent suicide.
As investigations unfold, Malaysian police have confirmed that the case is connected to a serious sexual offence.
Serdang district police chief Assistant Commissioner Muhamad Farid Ahmad told Shin Min Daily News on May 19 that the couple had been under investigation for allegedly sexually assaulting a minor.
According to police, the 13-year-old girl was known to both Mr Xie and Ms Zhuang.
On April 30, the couple allegedly took the girl out under the pretext of going for a walk, but instead took her to a rented unit in Selangor, where Mr Xie was suspected to have made sexual advances towards her.
Ms Zhuang was reportedly present during the incident.
"The girl later told her parents that the couple had done 'bad things' to her, and the parents immediately alerted the police," he said.
The funeral company handled the body collection on behalf of the deceased's family. PHOTO: SHIN MIN DAILY NEWS
Mr Xie and Ms Zhuang were arrested under Section 14(a) of Malaysia's Sexual Offenses against Children Act 2017, which covers sexual and indecent assault.
"They were both subjects of the investigation," said Assistant Commissioner Muhamad Farid.
Mr Xie had been scheduled to appear in court on May 14 but failed to turn up. The Malaysian police were unable to contact him after that.
Malaysia's China Press reported that the couple's next-of-kin did not turn up for the funeral and cremation, which were handled by a funeral home.
