Coroner Rules Natural Causes in Death of Convicted Killer Pak Kian Huat
A Singapore coroner’s court has ruled that Pak Kian Huat, an 88-year-old man serving a lengthy prison sentence for a brutal killing, died of natural causes. The court found that Mr. Pak passed away from pneumonia in December 2025, confirming there was no evidence of foul play involved in his death.
The ruling, delivered on Tuesday, May 12, concludes the inquiry into the death of the inmate who was incarcerated for the hacking death of his domestic partner.
Medical Care and Coroner’s Findings
State Coroner Adam Nakhoda stated that Mr. Pak received the appropriate level of medical attention prior to his passing. The court heard that care was provided through both the Changi Prison’s Complex Medical Centre and Changi General Hospital.
The official finding determines that the cause of death was a natural disease process, specifically pneumonia, which led to his death while he was serving his term.
Background: The 2019 Toa Payoh Killing
Mr. Pak was serving a 15-year jail term following a violent incident in 2019. He had hacked his 79-year-old domestic partner, Madam Lim Soi Moy, to death with a chopper inside a Housing Board flat located in Toa Payoh.
The attack stemmed from a dispute regarding rooming arrangements between the two. During the sentencing hearing in May 2023, the presiding judge described Mr. Pak’s actions as deliberately and unspeakably vicious and brutal
.
Family Estrangement and Legal Proceedings
The aftermath of the 2019 crime left Mr. Pak isolated. The court noted that his family members had become estranged from him following the killing of Madam Lim.
Records indicate that in a previous court appearance, Mr. Pak had voiced loud objections and claimed he was fine
with the prospect of the death penalty, though he was ultimately sentenced to 15 years in prison.
- Cause of Death: Pneumonia (natural disease process).
- Verdict: No evidence of foul play; appropriate medical care was provided.
- Crime: 15-year sentence for hacking 79-year-old partner Madam Lim Soi Moy to death in 2019.
- Location: The original crime occurred in a Toa Payoh HDB flat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where was Pak Kian Huat being held?
Mr. Pak was serving his sentence in a Singaporean prison and received medical treatment at Changi Prison’s Complex Medical Centre and Changi General Hospital.
What led to the attack on Madam Lim Soi Moy?
The court heard that the fatal attack was triggered by a dispute over rooming arrangements between Mr. Pak and Madam Lim.
When was the final coroner’s ruling delivered?
The coroner’s court delivered its findings on Tuesday, May 12, 2026.
With the coroner’s ruling now finalized, the legal proceedings regarding Mr. Pak’s death are closed, marking the end of a case that began with a violent domestic tragedy in 2019.