Neighbours mistake stench of Tampines resident's body for dead rat
The 38-year-old woman, who was found dead in her flat, was said to be reclusive and withdrawn.
A 38-year-old woman was found dead in her flat at Block 442 Tampines Street 43 after neighbours complained of a persistent stench, which they initially mistook for a dead rat.
The deceased was found on Sept 29 at around 8am in her fourth-floor unit.
Shin Min Daily News received reports of a foul odour emanating from the location where numerous police officers were spotted, suggesting that a death had occurred.
When reporters arrived at Block 442 at 11am, several police vehicles were parked downstairs. A strong stench filled the corridor on the fourth floor, and police officers had sealed off part of the area to conduct investigations and collect evidence.
Mr Chen, a 74-year-old retiree, said the woman had been living alone in the flat for about two years. He added that she used to share the unit with a friend, but the pair fell out last year and she had since lived by herself.
He also noted that he had not seen the woman for several weeks. On Monday morning, the smell became unbearable and he alerted the authorities.
Police later found the woman dead inside the flat.
Neighbours mistake stench for dead rat
Madam Ho, a 66-year-old resident who lives next door, described the woman as withdrawn, with little interaction with others in the neighbourhood.
She noted that trash had been left outside the woman's door for two weeks, and the stench had lingered for three to four days.
"We assumed the smell was from a dead rat nearby, so we didn't worry about it, but it turned out she had died inside her home," she said.
In previous interactions with the woman's family, Madam Ho learnt that the woman was unemployed, and her relatives would visit every few months to check on her and deliver food.
The relatives instructed neighbours not to communicate with or even make eye contact with the woman. Neighbours also knew little about the woman as she had minimal interactions with them, said Madam Ho.
Shin Min reported that the woman was found in the middle of her living room. Undertakers removed the body at around 1.30pm on Monday.
In response to queries from The New Paper, the police confirmed that they received a call for assistance on Sept 29 at 8.25am.
A 38-year-old woman found motionless in her flat was pronounced dead at the scene.
Based on preliminary investigations, the police do not suspect foul play. Investigations are ongoing.