Cambodia: Woman Arrested in Connection with Fatal Assault After Drug Use

A 26-year-old woman has been arrested in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, suspected of involvement in the death of an acquaintance. The incident reportedly occurred after a gathering that involved drug use, and the victim is believed to have died from severe head trauma. The suspect, identified as Thann Sreypich, was apprehended on the evening of September 17, 2026, in Chour village, Krong Chhrey commune, Kamchay Mear district, Prey Veng province. The operation was a collaboration between the Ministry of Interior's Criminal Department and the police forces of Tbong Khmum and Prey Veng provinces. She has since been transferred to the Toul Kork District Police Inspectorate for legal proceedings. The incident that led to this arrest first came to light on the morning of September 16, 2026, at approximately 6:10 AM, at a rented room located on the second floor of house number 241, Street 146, Village 11, Sangkat Toul Kok 2, Toul Kork District, Phnom Penh. The deceased victim has been identified as Kim Mara, a 32-year-old female employee at a car dealership, residing at house number 65, Street 146, Village 7, Sangkat Phsar Depo 2, Toul Kork District, Phnom Penh. Two suspects were initially identified in connection with the case. The first is Son Kim Ai, a 32-year-old male car dealer, residing at house number 101, Street 09A, Village Prey Kdey K, Sangkat Pong Tuek, Khan Dangkor, Phnom Penh. He was apprehended immediately after the incident. The second suspect, Thann Sreypich, is accused of conspiring with Son Kim Ai to assault and kill the victim. According to reports, on the night of September 15, 2026, prior to the incident, the victim and friends had been drinking at a car dealership. Later, around 3:41 AM on September 16, 2026, the victim and two friends, who are the suspects, went to the rented room where they allegedly used drugs. The following morning, the victim was found unresponsive, leading to the discovery of the incident. The suspects reportedly attempted to call an ambulance to take the victim for medical attention, but she had already passed away. Upon inspection of the scene, authorities found evidence including small drinking glasses, a small water jug, a used packet of PORSCHE brand drugs, and a plastic spoon, indicating drug consumption by the victim. An examination of the victim's body revealed bruises and swelling on her face, cheeks, and around her eyes. Dr. Cheang Rith, a forensic medical examiner for the Phnom Penh Municipal Court, concluded that the victim died from severe head trauma, specifically from blows to the head and face. The autopsy also confirmed the presence of K and ecstasy in her system. One of the arrested suspects confessed that after using drugs, the victim became unresponsive, and he admitted to hitting and slapping her in an attempt to revive her before contacting for an ambulance, but she had already died.