10-11-2024 (SINGAPORE) The man accused of stabbing a Catholic priest at St Joseph’s Church in Upper Bukit Timah has been identified as Basnayake Keith Spencer, 37, a former convict with a history of violent offences, including a 2019 conviction for stabbing his ex-girlfriend while under the influence of drugs.
Basnayake, who was seen in circulated footage being led away from the church in a blood-stained white T-shirt, is due to appear in court on November 11. He faces charges of voluntarily causing grievous hurt with a dangerous weapon, an offence that carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment or up to 15 years’ jail, along with possible caning and fines.
The victim, 57-year-old Reverend Christopher Lee, is reported to be in stable condition following surgery. The attack occurred during the church’s monthly children’s mass while Holy Communion was being distributed. Police recovered five weapons from the assailant, including the folding knife used in the assault.
Church security has been heightened in response to the incident, with the parish emergency task force conducting bag checks and increased patrols. Parishioners expressed shock at the violence, with long-time member Rosalin Kolandasamy, 69, describing Father Lee as a community-minded priest who actively worked to unite his congregation.
“Father Lee regularly organised communal activities, including recently chartering transport for parishioners to attend a walking event in Bishan,” Kolandasamy noted.
Software engineer Jose Nidhin, whose family regularly attends Saturday evening mass, expressed particular concern about the attack occurring during a children’s service. “The thought that this happened when children were present in the front rows is especially disturbing,” he said.
While authorities have ruled out religious motivation – noting that the attacker, though of Sinhalese descent, had previously identified himself as Christian to immigration authorities – police will seek a court order for psychiatric evaluation at the Institute of Mental Health.
