Cambodia: Young Female Employee's Suspicious Death - Drug Use and Assault Suspected

A 32-year-old female employee of a car dealership has died under suspicious circumstances in Cambodia's capital, Phnom Penh, following allegations of drug use with friends. Police are actively investigating the possibility of assault as a contributing factor to her death. The incident came to light around 5 AM on September 16th, when the victim's body was discovered in a rented room located at House No. 241, 2nd Floor, Street 146, Village 11, Sangkat Tuek Laork 2, Khan Toul Kork, Phnom Penh. The deceased has been identified as Kim Mara, a car sales employee residing at House No. 65, Street 146, Village 7, Sangkat Phsar Depo 2, Khan Toul Kork. Authorities have identified two suspects in connection with the case. Son Kim Ai, a 32-year-old male car dealer residing in Khan Dangkao, has been arrested and is cooperating with the investigation. The second suspect, Than Sreypir, a 26-year-old female who resided in the same rented room where the incident occurred, has fled and is currently being sought by law enforcement. According to information obtained, prior to the discovery of the body, the suspects had contacted a tuk-tuk to transport the victim to the hospital. However, medical personnel declared her deceased upon arrival. Immediately following this, the male suspect, identified as the owner of the room, fled the scene. The other male individual, described as a boyfriend of a friend of the victim, was taken in for questioning by the authorities. Further details indicate that on the evening of September 15th, the victim had gathered with friends for drinks at a car dealership. In the early hours of September 16th, around 3:41 AM, the victim and two other friends, who are now suspects, proceeded to the rented room and reportedly engaged in drug use. The incident unfolded the following morning when the victim became unwell and an attempt was made to get her to the hospital, but she had already passed away. The victim's biological father stated that around 6 PM on September 15th, his daughter had called him to join them for drinks at a nearby car dealership. He sat and drank with his daughter and her two friends, identified as the suspects Son Kim Ai (male) and Than Sreypir (female). On the morning of September 16th, Son Kim Ai contacted him to report his daughter's death in the rented room. The arrested suspect, Son Kim Ai, has confessed to the authorities that after consuming drugs, the victim collapsed. He claims he struck and slapped her in an attempt to revive her and subsequently called for an ambulance, but she had already died. Following the discovery and subsequent public attention, specialized police units inspected the body and the crime scene. They found packets of drugs and a glass, indicating the victim's involvement in drug use. An examination of the victim's body revealed bruises and swelling on her face and around her eyes. Dr. Chhang Ren, a forensic physician appointed by the Phnom Penh Municipal Court, concluded that the victim died from severe head trauma, consistent with facial blows, and that she had used K and ecstasy. Currently, the victim's body has been handed over to her family, who plan to hold traditional funeral rites at Wat Tuek Laor pagoda. Source: Koh Santepheap Khmer