A 47-year-old man was arrested on Sunday morning in Kratie province after killing his wife with a machete, according to a local police official.
Ry Sokhom, 36, had wanted to divorce her husband, Doung Eng Hong, for years, said Hout Limheang, chief of the provincial police serious crimes bureau.
The two were rice farmers in Chet Borei district, not far from the provincial capital.
“They often fought. The wife wanted a divorce, but the husband pitied the children,” said Mr. Limheang, adding that the couple had two children aged 7 and 16.
On Sunday morning, Ry Sokhom again attempted to leave Mr. Eng Hong when he set upon her with a machete.
“He hacked her twice on the neck,” said Mr. Limheang, adding that the wife died immediately.
Their children fled the house and alerted the neighbors, who called the police, said Mr. Limheang.
Mr. Eng Hong ran for about a kilometer before the police caught him, he added.
Mr. Eng Hong is being detained at the district police station and will be sent to the provincial court after questioning is finished, Mr. Limheang said.
