Despite Christmas coming up soon, murder seems to be on everyone’s minds. Recently, a 42-year-old 李燕宣 (transliteration: Li Yan Xuan) was stabbed to death in Butterworth, Seberang Perai, Penang.
The lady had been walking on a street when a masked man attacked her, hacking at her with a knife. Despite passers-by’s attempts to save her, she unfortunately passed away from her injuries.
The 42-year-old lady had reportedly been in Raja Uda, walking along a street lined with shops when she was murdered at 11am yesterday (19th December). Apparently, a man wearing a mask had attacked her without warning, slashing at her back. Another man, who witnessed the incident claimed he was tall, young and looked to be about 20 years old.
“When the murderer slashed at the deceased with a sharp weapon, the woman had nothing in her hands,” the witnessed recalled. “I came out of the shop and immediately rushed to help stop him, but he was very strong. I punched him and was pushed down.” A middle aged-man too had attempted to help but was also shoved away by the murderer.
CCTV footage later showed the victim walking with another woman down the road when she was attacked. Apparently the murderer had ran up behind the two ladies while taking a parang out from a bag to stab the victim. He stabbed her twice before she fell in a pool of her own blood, then he stabbed her five more times before dropping the knife and fleeing.
Police arrived on the scene as soon as they received the report and attempts were made to rescue her. She was sent to Seberang Jaya Hospital for treatment. Unfortunately, she passed away from her injuries.
A 29-year-old man, suspected of the crime was later detained after he attempted to commit suicide by jumping off the Penang Bridge. A fishing boat rescued him, but he attempted suicide again while on the boat, before being stopped by the fishermen who tied him up to prevent him from trying again.
It was later confirmed that the 29-year-old man was actually the victim’s nephew. However, her husband claims he does not know what his nephew’s motive was for murdering his wife. He also alleged that his nephew had not been in contact with him in recent years.
Police have stated that they believe the suspect’s motive was “jealousy” as he allegedly confessed to his aunt and was turned down. However, they are still investigating the issue, and have declined to comment further.
Regardless, our hearts go out to the victim’s family and those who knew her. We hope they find peace in her passing.
Sources: China Press (1)(2)(3)(4)(5)(6)(7)(8)
