Stunning suspect who became an internet sensation after being ‘involved in fatal brawl’ in Singapore’s red light district escapes death penalty
- Satheeth Noal Gobidasson, 31, died after he was allegedly attacked by a group
- Natalie Siow Yu Zhen was among seven suspects charged over his death
- More than three months after the brawl, her charge was downgraded to assault
A woman who became an online sensation after allegedly being filmed taking part in a fatal brawl in Singapore has escaped the death penalty after her murder charge was downgraded.
Natalie Siow Yu Zhen, 22, was among seven suspects charged over the death of 31-year-old Satheesh Noal Gobidasson at Singapore’s Orchard Towers in July.
She shot to internet stardom after CCTV of the brawl went viral with many fans calling for her instant release.
If convicted of murder Siow could have faced the death penalty but on Friday her charge was downgraded to assault.
Natalie Siow Yu Zhen was among seven suspects charged over the death of 31-year-old Satheesh Noal Gobidasson at Singapore’s Orchard Towers in July
More than three months after the fatal brawl, Siow’s charge was downgraded from murder to assault on Friday
According to local news website Coconuts Singapore, she was surprised by the unexpected turn of events and cried when she heard.
Police now allege she only punched and kicked the 31-year-old while on the ground floor of the building.
If she is found guilty of assault she will be jailed for up to two years and fined $5,000.
Siow left the State Courts on Friday accompanied by her father and a friend after she was allowed to walk free on a $15,000 bail bond.
Her lawyer, Amarick Gill, told reporters she is looking forward to going home and spending some time with her family.
‘She will cooperate with the authorities as advised by me. I am grateful the prosecution acceded to my representation,’ the lawyer said.
Siow shot to internet stardom after her name was released as the sole female involved.
When she was charged with murder, online fans took to Reddit to plead for her release.
After people combed through her profile, some set up a Natalie Siow Yu Zhen fan club to show their support and also say they are praying for her release.
Police now allege she punched and kicked the 31-year-old while on the ground floor of the building
‘Release Natalie… freedom and justice for Natalie!!! She is innocent, pure and chio,’ one user wrote.
‘She is just an innocent bystander! Support Natalie! Justice for Natalie!’ another wrote.
It is believed the victim walked up to the group at Orchard Towers to talk to one of them before they turned on him.
Orchard Towers is part of the Singaporean red-light district and is nicknamed the ‘Four Floor of Wh**es’ as sex workers met their clients there.
The violent attack was recorded on CCTV and showed the group of people allegedly attacking Satheesh, before he was rushed to hospital.
Others originally charged with murder include Tan Hong Sheng, Loo Boon Chong, Tan Sen Yang, Joel Tan Yun Sheng, Chan Jia Xing, and And Da Yuan.
They are all of between 22 and 28 years of age.
Tan Sen Yang, Joel Tan and Ang Da Yuan are the only three still facing murder charges, while an eighth suspect is under investigation.
Once the news spread that she was being charged with murder, online fans took to Reddit to plead for her release