49-year-old Xavier Yap Jung Houn, was previously charged with the murder of his twin sons, both 11 years old after their bodies were discovered in a canal near the playground along Greenridge Crescent at Upper Bukit Timah last year.

Yap has since had his murder charges reduced to culpable homicide not amounting to murder earlier today (28 February), according to Channel NewsAsia.

According to court documents, it was stated that Yap had strangled his twin sons, Yap Kai Shern Aston and Yap E Chern Ethan with the intention of causing their deaths.

His charges were amended after a report was released by the Institute of Mental Health, where Yap was found to have a moderate major depressive disorder at the time.

He appeared in court via a video link.

For culpable homicide not amounting to murder, Yap faces life imprisonment and caning, or up to 20 years imprisonment and a fine or caning if convicted.

His case has been adjourned for further mentions at the State Courts on 18 April.

Recap

Xavier Yap Jung Houn was charged in court on 24 January with murder following the death of his two 11-year-old twin sons.