Fingerprints could hold key to Somyos’ murder

Forensic police are attempting to match evidence found on a motorcycle believed to have been used in the killing of entertainment tycoon Somyos Suthangkura to two suspects.

Acting Crime Suppression Division chief Akkaradech Pimolsri said yesterday that significant progress has been made in the investigation into the murder of Somyos, 62, who was shot dead at a restaurant in Bangkok’s Suan Luang district on June 29.

An examination of fingerprints collected from a motorcycle and DNA taken from suspects is now under way, he said.

Forensics showed the weapon used to kill Somyos could have been a .38 or .357 revolver.

Last week, police in Chumphon province arrested two suspects in the killing, deputy national police chief Pol Gen Ruangsak Jarit-ek said.

He said the pair were caught on CCTV. Witnesses also saw them lingering near the restaurant on Phatthanakan Road hours before the murder. One was seen allegedly approaching the victim and shooting him at close range.

Identikits were produced based on the testimony of witnesses, which led to the suspects’ arrests.

Pol Col Akkaradech said a special team of investigators was sent to Phetchaburi and Prachuap Khiri Khan provinces to look for more evidence, since police believe others were involved in the murder and may be in hiding there.

The motive for the killing is still unclear, but the investigation is focusing on two possibilities — gambling money and the settlement of a legal case, Pol Col Akkaradech said.

On Friday, Hua Mak police were alerted to a Suzuki motorcycle with no licence plates parked near a car repair shop on Ramkhamhaeng Road.

Investigators who examined the bike found it was similar to the one used as the getaway vehicle in the murder.

Pol Gen Ruangsak said officers collected fingerprints from the bike to test if they are a match to the suspects. He would not say when the results will be known.