Huang Na, an eight-year-old Chinese national residing in Singapore, disappears on October 10, 2004. Her sudden vanishing leaves her mother, the police, and the entire community in a desperate search stretching across both Singapore and Malaysia. Volunteers distribute thousands of leaflets, while local businesses and taxi drivers join the efforts, all hoping to find the missing child. Amidst this widespread search, the police focus their investigation on Took Leng How, a vegetable packer who often played with Huang Na.
The case takes a dramatic turn when Took, after initially being questioned, flees to Malaysia. Upon his return on October 30, he confesses to the accidental strangulation of Huang Na during a game. The discovery of her body the following day leads to his arrest and charges for murder. The trial unveils a complex narrative, with Took’s defense arguing diminished responsibility due to alleged schizophrenia. Despite these claims, the court finds him guilty, sentencing him to death.
Took’s fate is sealed as appeals and a clemency plea are unsuccessful, leading to his execution in 2006. The case leaves a profound impact on Singapore, reflected in public discourse and media portrayals. Meanwhile, Huang Na’s family strives to move forward, carrying the memories of a life interrupted.
