Boy did not flee after stabbing; court to decide Thursday if defence is called

A 15-year-old boy faces a court decision on Thursday to determine if he will be acquitted or required to enter a defence against a charge of murdering a schoolmate. The prosecution concluded its case after calling their final witness, Assistant Superintendent Ahmad Zarrin Ab Rashid. The six-day trial commenced on Monday. Zarrin presented nearly 100 exhibits, including knives, school items, and records, and an 80-paragraph forensic medical report as defense evidence.

The defense questioned the boy's behavior before, during, and after the incident, arguing for insanity at the time of the alleged offence. Witnesses testified that the boy did not flee or attempt to escape after the stabbing but instead returned to the school. The knife was seized without struggle and given to his brother. Police found knives, invoices, and an "Death Note" book with suspected to be the boy's handwriting in his room.

If the court finds there's no case to answer, the boy will be acquitted. If the defense is called, it will begin immediately, with the boy testifying and a psychiatric expert likely to be called. The defense has premised its case on insanity, and under Section 84 of the Penal Code, the prosecution must prove insanity. If convicted, the offender faces the death penalty or a prison sentence of 30 to 40 years, or detention at the pleasure of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong if the offense occurred in the Federal Territories.