KKH says baby Trevor had no noticeable injuries prior to death, MSF says no child protection or social services referrals

Baby Trevor Neo tragically passed away after being abused by his parents, and no child protection or social service agencies had referred him before his death, according to KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital (KKH). Trevor was admitted to KKH on January 18, 2024, after his father brought him in due to reduced milk intake, vomiting, and concerns about his mother shaking him.

After thorough evaluations, including brain scans, eye examinations, and X-rays, no injuries were found on Trevor, and he was found to be normal and conscious. The hospital facilitated access to services for parenting and child development support following his discharge on January 23, 2024. Trevor was brought back to the hospital on April 2, 2024, for redness under his tongue, and was discharged the same day.

On September 2, 2024, Trevor was brought to the hospital unresponsive and died despite resuscitation efforts. His parents, Chloe Gan Ci Xuan and Neo Jia Ming, were sentenced to 15 years and 3 months, and 16 years in jail, respectively, for smothering and shaking their son to stop him from crying. An independent review panel has been appointed to review Trevor's case, highlighting the need for better recognition and response to concerns involving infants and young children.

MSF also emphasized that child protection professionals often make difficult assessments based on incomplete and evolving information and that the child protection system must continuously learn from serious cases to strengthen safeguards and systems.