A police official in Koh Kong province was charged Thursday with the murder of his boss’ brother and detained in the provincial prison ahead of trial, according to a provincial judge.
Sy Neang, 49, a police officer in Thma Baing district, was arrested on Tuesday after he allegedly shot dead Keo Kemsokdang, the police chief’s younger brother, and shot and injured the chief’s daughter-in-law.
“He has been charged with premeditated murder and now we are in the process of investigating the case,” said Investigating Judge Bun Thy.
Under the Criminal Code, the charge carries a sentence of life in prison if the suspect is found guilty. Sim Vary, the police chief whose brother was killed, said Thursday that the suspect had been “mentally ill last year,” and became agitated when his recent request to take leave was turned down.
It was after arriving at the police station that Mr. Neang allegedly fired at the pair with an AK-47, Mr. Vary said, adding that the suspect then put down the gun and sat down. His daughter-in-law, Chhouk Maly, is being treated for her injuries in hospital.
