A Phnom Penh police officer, reported to be an assistant to municipal police chief Chuon Sovann, fatally shot his wife and then himself on Sunday night, according to a report posted to the website of the National Police on Monday.
According to the report, Khieu Kounel, 34, shot his wife, Yeng Leakhana, 37, in the head inside their Meanchey district home before turning the gun on himself.
The report said a handgun and two bullet casings were found at the scene and that relatives claimed the couple’s relationship was marred by jealousy, but did not provide details.
Government mouthpiece Fresh News reported that Khieu Kounel was an assistant to General Sovann as well as a nephew of General Khieu Sopheak, secretary-general and spokesman at the Ministry of Interior.
Neither Gen. Sovann nor Gen. Sopheak could be reached for comment.
National Police spokesman Kirth Chantharith could not be reached either.
Deputy municipal police chief Eng Sorphea said he did not know if Khieu Kounel was an assistant to Gen. Sovann before hanging up on a reporter.
