Cambodia Arrests Accomplice in Murder Case, Drug Use Suspected

An accomplice in the murder of a 32-year-old female car dealer, identified as Kem Mara, has been arrested in Cambodia. The victim was found dead in her rented room in Phnom Penh on September 16, 2026, following what appears to be a dispute that escalated after drug use. The arrested suspect, Than Sreypich, 26, was apprehended on the evening of September 17 in Kroung village, Kamchay Mear district, Prey Veng province, after evading authorities. The Phnom Penh Municipal Police, in cooperation with the police commissions of Tbong Khmum and Prey Veng provinces, had been actively searching for her. The incident occurred on the morning of September 16 at an apartment in Toul Kork district. According to initial reports, the victim had been socializing with friends, including the suspects, the previous night. They later moved to the victim's room where drug use reportedly took place. It is alleged that following the drug consumption, the victim lost consciousness, and the suspects then assaulted her. Despite attempts to seek medical help, she was pronounced dead at the scene. Investigators discovered drug paraphernalia, including small water cups, a small water bottle, a used packet of a substance identified as PORSCHE, and a plastic spoon, at the scene. A forensic examination by Dr. Chheng Ren, a municipal court forensic doctor, concluded that the victim died from severe head trauma and facial assault. Evidence suggests the victim had consumed K and ecstasy. Son Kimai, 32, another suspect in the case, was arrested shortly after the incident. Both Than Sreypich and Son Kimai are currently being held at the Phnom Penh Municipal Police's Criminal Police Department for further questioning and legal proceedings. This case highlights ongoing concerns about drug-related crime in Cambodia and the potential for violence stemming from substance abuse.