Commenting on the inquiry into the death of American engineer Shane Todd, SMU Assistant Professor of Law Eugene Tan said that Todd’s parents had taken the view that their son had been murdered and that had been the predetermined outcome they hoped to see. However, they missed the opportunity to present their concerns and contrasting views on the evidence. By considering the option to go to the Court of Public Opinion, they had the chance to win the case if they were able to prove that there are loopholes in the legal system. Assistant Prof Tan commented that while the Todd family was entitled to use any of the legal avenues available to them, the Singapore-US bilateral relations are very robust and he did not see how overall bilateral relations would be affected in any serious manner. Furthermore, the FBI had been involved in the case and confirmed that there was nothing suspicious in the findings.