Prey Veng Student Stabbed to Death After Football Dispute

A high school student in Prey Veng province was stabbed to death with a rifle bayonet by an­other student on Monday, following an argument during a football game about two weeks ago, police and school officials said on Tuesday.

The suspect, Ly Sothirak, 18, was arrested at a relative’s house on Tuesday morning after investigators interviewed witnesses at the Bun Rany Hun Sen Prey Poun High School in Kompong Trabek district, where the fatal attack occurred, according to dep­uty provincial police chief Seng Sopheak.

“The victim died on the way to the hospital as a result of his serious injuries, particularly to his back,” Mr. Sopheak said, adding that Mr. Sothirak had used an unattached rifle bayonet to stab his schoolmate, Chum Richat, 19.

“The suspect was arrested this morning at about 11 a.m. in Thkov commune,” he said. “He is being questioning at the provincial police headquarters and we will send him to the provincial court tomorrow.”

Yos Bunthan, deputy director of the high school, said a third student had reported that Chum Richat mocked Mr. Sothirat during a game of football about two weeks ago, teasing the suspect for owing him 40,000 riel, or about $10, in gambling debt from bets placed on their previous matches.

“On the day the attack oc­curred, the suspect did not go to study,” Mr. Bunthan said. “He waited for the victim outside the school and stabbed him in the back.”

“I am very disappointed by this case. This should not be happening,” he added.

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