Rejected advances may have led to Yong Peng schoolgirl’s murder, say police

Resentment over rejected romantic advances may have been the motive for the murder of 16-year-old Irene Sofiya Khairool Faisal, says Johor police chief Ab Rahaman Arsad.

Speaking at a press conference today, Rahaman said the theory was based on the latest findings of the investigation, although police were still examining the motive.

He said investigations conducted from Oct 4 to 8 led to the seizure of several items believed to be linked to the case, including a metal rod measuring about 96cm long and wrapped in a necktie, which police suspect was used to beat the victim.

Police also seized an iPhone, a denim jacket, black trousers, a pair of Adidas slippers, a black tracksuit and a white-and-red sports shirt bearing the number 27 with suspected bloodstains.

“Based on the post-mortem report, we believe the blows struck the head, but there were also signs of blows to the body, hands and several other parts of the victim’s body,” he said.

Rahaman said police also believed there had been a struggle between the victim and the suspect, based on the scene, where tables and chairs were found overturned and a flower pot was broken.

There were signs that the victim tried to defend herself, he added.

“The investigation is nearly complete, and police expect to refer the investigation papers to the Johor prosecution director’s office today for further instructions,” he said.

The Batu Pahat magistrates’ court today granted a further six days’ remand for the male student suspected of murdering Irene Sofiya at a secondary school in Yong Peng.

The Form 4 student, a classmate of the suspect, was found unconscious and covered in blood in the school hall at about 5.50pm on Oct 3. She was later pronounced dead.

Bukit Aman criminal investigation department director M Kumar confirmed that Irene Sofiya died from traumatic injuries to the head caused by a blunt object.

The case is being investigated under Section 302 of the Penal Code for murder.

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