Ten arrested in Sandakan after woman found bound, murdered in home

SANDAKAN, August 25 — Ten individuals, including two primary suspects, have been arrested in connection with the brutal murder of a 62-year-old woman found bound and decomposing inside a toilet in Sandakan, Malaysia. The victim, who resided alone in a two-story wooden house, was discovered with her hands tied behind her back and head covered in a cloth, suggesting she had been dead for several days prior to her remains being uncovered, according to Sinar Harian.

Police were alerted by a public tip-off about a foul odor emanating from the property, leading them to the scene around 8:10pm. Acting Sandakan District Police Chief ACP George Abd Rakman confirmed the arrest of the 10 suspects within 24 hours. The suspects, ranging in age from 10 to 39 and comprising five men and five women, are all related to one another, with three being Philippine nationals and the remaining seven locals.

Initial investigations indicate that the murder was a result of a dispute over payment for renovation work on the victim's house, coupled with resentment over the increased monthly rent. Police recovered a wooden stick possibly used in the incident and several of the victim's personal belongings taken by the suspects. The case is being investigated under Section 302 of the Penal Code, which prescribes capital punishment or lengthy imprisonment upon conviction.