Datuk Hussein Omar Khan. -filepic
SHAH ALAM: Police are still awaiting toxicology and post-mortem reports to determine the cause of death of 15-year-old Yap Xin Yuan, says Selangor police chief Comm Datuk Hussein Omar Khan.
The reports are essential to establish whether Yap’s death resulted from a misunderstanding that escalated into an altercation or if it was linked to drug use.
"We need the toxicology report to ascertain whether the victim consumed drugs, so we cannot confirm at this point if she died of an overdose.
"We are also waiting for the post-mortem report to discover the cause of death. The condition of the body is making it challenging for pathologists," Comm Hussein told a press conference at the Selangor police headquarters on Friday (Jan 3).
He was responding to questions about whether Yap, whose decomposed body was found in Banting, died of a drug overdose before her body was disposed of in a river.
Regarding the motive, Comm Hussein said police firmly believe Yap's death involved her 16-year-old boyfriend.
"We are investigating whether there was a disagreement between the two or if her death was connected to drug use. This is why we need to wait for the laboratory results," he said.
The investigation also includes whether the boyfriend acted alone in disposing of Yap's body or had accomplices.
"So far, all three suspects detained, including the boyfriend, have tested negative for drugs,” Comm Hussein added.
The decomposed body was discovered at RTB Sg Changgang on Saturday (Dec 28).
Physical verification was not possible due to the condition of the body, but it was later identified as that of Yap after a DNA test.
Three suspects, aged 16, 20, and 51, including Yap’s boyfriend, have been arrested and remanded until Sunday (Jan 5).
The case has been classified as murder.
Yap was reported missing on Dec 19 after attending a lion dance practice at a basketball court in Batu 11 Cheras.
Comm Hussein mentioned that police are expected to extend the remand of the detained suspects as investigations continue.
