Soldier in pre-trial detention over fatal shooting in Pursat
A PURSAT Provincial Court judge placed a 57-year-old soldier in pre-trial detention on Monday after charging him with premeditated murder under Article 200 of the Criminal Code, provincial Court spokesman Heng Donin said on Monday.
“The Pursat Provincial Court judge decided to place him in pre-trial detention on charges of premeditated murder. I don’t know yet when a hearing will be held. [ We] will wait for a decision,” he said.
The suspect, Prak Sophal, faces a life sentence if convicted.
Pursat provincial police chief Sar Theng said on Monday that the Krakor district police sent Sophal to the Pursat police on Sunday after he allegedly shot a man to death on September 18 in Tnort Chum commune, Krakor district. It was related to a verbal argument while drinking.
Khun Ry, the deputy chief of the security unit at the Krakor district police station, said on Sunday that Sophal is a deputy head of a training office at Intervention Brigade 14 in Krakor district.
Ry said Sophal shot Nuon Tuoch, 35, in Tnort Chum commune during an argument. Tuoch died on the spot.
“Officers worked in collaboration with the Krakor district military police in checking the dead body. The suspect was arrested the same day after hiding in a nearby house,” he said.
Krakor district Military Police commander Nov Socheat acknowledged on Sunday that his forces took part in the operation, but the case was handed over to the National Police.
“I don’t know for sure, but I asked villagers and they said that a military official named Phal took out a gun and shot the victim,” he said.