GEORGE TOWN: Three people said to be close friends of a slain economy rice seller have been arrested for their suspected involvement in the murder at an apartment in Jelutong here.
George Town acting OCPD Supt V. Saravanan said the two men and a woman, aged between 29 and 42, had been remanded for three days to facilitate the investigation.
“We believe the three suspects are close friends of the 60-year-old victim identified as Teh Teik Chye. They were picked up at different locations in Jelutong, a few hours after the murder on Tuesday,” he said, adding that the motive is still unknown. “We have not ruled out robbery or revenge.”
Supt Saravanan said the deceased sold economy rice at the public market in Perak Road. On Tuesday, Teh was found lying in a pool of blood after he was stabbed 27 times in the parking area of an apartment in Perak Road. He died of injuries to his chest and neck.
Supt Saravanan said that police received a distress call at 6.18pm on Tuesday about a commotion there. Shortly after, a man was found sprawled on the ground.
“Investigations showed there were 27 stab wounds to the chest, neck and abdomen of the victim, believed to be inflicted with a knife,” he said.
Supt Saravanan said CCTV footage obtained near the lift and the security office of the apartment showed two men had come to the building on a motorcycle.
“One of them alighted from the machine and attacked the victim. They sped off after the assault,” he said.
The case is being investigated under Section 302 of the Penal Code for murder.
