23-9-2024 (SINGAPORE) Fresh details have emerged in the ongoing investigation of the murder of Singaporean Audrey Fang in Spain, as testimony from the accused’s former girlfriend sheds new light on events following the alleged incident.
Mitchell Ong, the 43-year-old Singaporean man accused of killing Ms Fang, reportedly met with his Ukrainian girlfriend mere days after the alleged murder, according to recent court proceedings in Spain. The woman, whose identity remains undisclosed, testified that Ong had expressed hope of resolving his financial difficulties in the near future during their meeting.
Spanish media outlet La Verdad reported on 23 September that the Ukrainian woman noticed injuries on Ong’s knees but did not question him about them. She described Ong as having an aggressive personality and revealed that they had been romantically involved for several years before ending their relationship.
The court heard that Ong had previously confided in his Ukrainian girlfriend about his financial woes, painting a picture of a man grappling with monetary pressures.
Ms Fang, 34, was found dead on 10 April near a lorry parking area in the town of Abanilla, approximately 150 kilometres from her hotel. A preliminary autopsy revealed that she had suffered 30 stab wounds and other injuries, with knife wounds and head trauma cited as the cause of death.
Ong was arrested on 16 April in his hotel room, where authorities discovered several items belonging to Ms Fang, including her mobile phone. He has been in custody since then, with Spanish authorities investigating a possible “economic” motive behind the killing.
Evidence presented in court suggests a complex relationship between Ong and Ms Fang. Friends of the deceased testified that Ms Fang had been romantically interested in Ong, whom she met on a social dating network. They described their relationship as “on and off” since at least 2014, but noted that Ong’s primary interest appeared to be selling financial assets to Ms Fang.
In a startling revelation, it emerged that Ong had been nominated as the sole beneficiary of Ms Fang’s Central Provident Fund (CPF) savings, reportedly containing S$498,000. This information came to light during earlier court proceedings in June.
Forensic evidence seems to link Ong to the crime scene. A pair of limited-edition sports trainers found in his hotel room matches footprints discovered where Ms Fang’s body was found. Additionally, mobile phone data places both Singaporeans in the same area on the day of the crime, and CCTV footage captured a car rented by Ong near the location where Ms Fang was discovered.
