JOHOR BARU: Jealousy and revenge have been identified as the motive behind the murder of 16-year-old Irene Sofiya Mohd Khairool Faisal, says Johor police chief.
Comm Datuk AB Rahaman Arsad said that the victim was also allegedly repeatedly hit with a pipe on the head during the Oct 3 incident.
"So far our investigations showed that jealousy and revenge as the motive as the girl had rejected the suspect's love and instead was in a relationship with the suspects' best friend," he said during a press conference here on Oct 9.
He added that besides injuries to her head, the victim also had other defensive wounds on her.
Comm AB Rahaman said that police have since seized at least 12 items in connection with the case including a mobile phone, jersey, a 96cm iron rod which was covered with a neck tie and other items.
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Asked if the victim was sexually assaulted, Comm AB Rahaman denied it and said that police would be referring the case to the Johor prosecution director on Oct 10.
He also said that the suspect did not have any disciplinary problems in school.
Irene Sofiya was found unconscious and covered in blood in a school hall in Yong Peng at about 5.50pm on Oct 3.
She was later pronounced dead.
Meanwhile in another case, Comm AB Rahaman said a 28-year-old man, who was on the wanted list and had 16 prior criminal records, was shot in the head after a brief car chase with the police along Jalan Gertak Merah near the Johor Zoo at about 2pm on Oct 8.
He said that policemen, who were on a crime prevention rounds, had to fire two shots at the vehicle after the suspect drove the car dangerously.
"One of the shots hit the suspect in the head and he is now receiving treatment at the hospital.
"His condition is stable," he said, adding that police also arrested a 29-year-old woman who was also in the car.
He said police also seized seven packets of Ecstasy and 17 cartridges containing drugs believed to be Ketamine.
Initial urine test showed that both suspects were positive for drugs.
