KOTA BHARU, Sept 26 — A 46-year-old man suspected of critically injuring his seven-year-old nephew in a hammer attack was found dead in an apparent suicide at Pantai Melawi yesterday evening.
The suspect reportedly assaulted the boy at 5.15pm at a shoplot on Jalan Pasar Jelawat, Bachok, before fleeing the scene on a motorcycle.
Bachok police deputy chief DSP Mohd Azrie Sulaiman said he was later discovered hanging by a chain from a casuarina tree approximately three kilometres away.
“The suspect’s body was handled by the forensic team. The victim remains in critical condition at the Universiti Sains Malaysia Hospital in Kubang Kerian with serious head injuries,” he told Bernama when contacted, adding that investigations are ongoing to determine if the death was a suicide.
In a related development, the police have arrested the victim’s 36-year-old aunt to assist with the investigation.
"The case is being investigated under Section 326 of the Penal Code for causing grievous harm with a dangerous weapon and Section 31(1) of the Child Act 2001," Azrie said in a subsequent statement.
Preliminary investigations suggest the deceased suspect had been suffering from hallucinations and had a history of drug abuse.
“The public is advised to refrain from speculation that could interfere with the investigation and affect the sensitivity of the victim’s family,” he said.
