Cambodian Sisters Sentenced to 20 Years for Grand-mother's Murder Over Relationship Ban

In Phnom Penh, Cambodia, two sisters, aged 18 and 19, have each been sentenced to 20 years in prison for stabbing their grandmother to death. The Phnom Penh First Instance Court announced its verdict on the morning of September 10. The convicted sisters, identified as Seng Chantheabomey, 19, and Seng Hengsanika, 18, were found guilty of premeditated murder under Article 200 of the Penal Code. The motive for the crime was reportedly anger towards their grandmother, who had forbidden them from engaging in romantic relationships while they were still studying. The victim, identified as Ti Kong, 64, a vendor, was fatally stabbed. Investigations by the authorities revealed that the murder stemmed from family conflict, with the sisters harboring resentment towards their grandmother for her constant reprimands and prohibitions against their relationships during their school years. The incident occurred on April 6, 2026, at the victim's residence located in Kandal Village, Chbar Ampov 2nd Quarter, Chbar Ampov District, Phnom Penh. Upon receiving information about the incident, the Chbar Ampov District Police launched an investigation and arrested the two sisters on April 9, 2026, for questioning in connection with their grandmother's death. During questioning by the authorities, the suspects reportedly confessed that around 10:20 PM on April 5, they used a sharp knife to stab their grandmother once in the back, causing severe injuries that led to her death. The suspects told police that they had harbored animosity towards their grandmother for some time due to her scolding and her ban on them having romantic relationships while they were students. The two defendants are currently detained awaiting the execution of their sentences at Prey Sar Prison (M2). Source: CEN Cambodia