Self-made Gun Accidentally Fires in Cambodia's Mondulkiri, Killing 24-Year-Old; Uncle Arrested

A tragic accident occurred in Mondulkiri province, Cambodia, where a 24-year-old man died after a homemade gun he was transporting accidentally discharged. Police have arrested the victim's uncle, a 32-year-old man, and are proceeding with legal procedures. The incident took place on the afternoon of September 15th in a rubber plantation in Pou Chrey village (Dea), Pou Chrey commune, Pechada district. The victim has been identified as Saney Navy, a 24-year-old farmer from the indigenous Phnong ethnic group. The suspect is Khun Trik, a 32-year-old Phnong farmer and the victim's uncle. According to police, the two men had gone to set up an electric shock trap for animals in a cassava field. They went to check after signs indicated a wild boar might have been caught, but the animal had already escaped into the forest. The victim then called his brother and villagers to help track the boar with dogs, but it could not be found. As rain approached, they decided to return to their farm hut. On their way back, the victim was riding a motorcycle with the suspect holding the homemade gun on the side. The motorcycle's rear wheel slipped on the muddy road, causing the gun to hit a rubber tree. This impact dislodged the gun's trigger, leading to the accidental discharge. Police stated that the bullet struck the victim in the back of the head, exiting through the front, causing instant death. Saney Chut, the victim's elder brother, recounted hearing his brother's cries for help and rushing to the scene, only to find him lying face down with blood flowing from his head and nose. An autopsy by forensic officials confirmed severe head injuries consistent with a bullet penetrating from the back to the front, caused by the homemade firearm. Authorities confiscated several items as evidence, including a motorcycle, the homemade gun, a knife, a battery, wires, animal trapping equipment, and other tools used with the firearm. The suspect is currently in police custody for further investigation and legal proceedings.