Police launch murder probe after teen dies in alleged drunken brawl in Lundu

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By DayakDaily Team

LUNDU, Feb 12: An 18-year-old man has died following an alleged altercation at a rented house in Lundu, with police launching a murder investigation and actively tracking down a suspect who remains at large.

Lundu District Police chief Supt Sudirman Kram confirmed that the district police headquarters received a report regarding the incident earlier today.

According to police, at approximately 7.12am, they were informed by a medical officer at Sarawak General Hospital (SGH) that an 18-year-old man had been brought to the hospital’s Emergency Unit in an unconscious state with no pulse. He was later pronounced dead.

Initial examination found swelling on the victim’s eye and left cheek, as well as dried blood around his nose.

“Preliminary investigations revealed that prior to the incident, the victim and several co-workers had attended a social gathering and were believed to have consumed alcohol.

“An argument reportedly broke out between the victim and a suspect, who was both his co-worker and housemate at the rented house. The dispute allegedly escalated into a physical fight,” Sudirman said in a statement today.

The victim was said to have lost consciousness following the incident and was taken to SGH by the suspect for treatment.

Sudirman added that three men, all co-workers of the victim, have been detained to assist in investigations.

A four-wheel-drive vehicle and several mobile phones have also been seized to facilitate further inquiries.

“One suspect, believed to have fled after sending the victim to the hospital, is still being sought. Efforts to locate and apprehend the individual are ongoing,” he said.

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

Sudirman advised members of the public not to speculate on the case, warning that unfounded rumours could interfere with ongoing investigations. — DayakDaily