Traing district authorities in Takeo province are looking for a suspect after he allegedly murdered his brother in-in-law at a family gathering last Thursday in Khvav commune.

District deputy police chief Pech Sovann told The Post on Sunday that the victim was a 53-year-old male farmer named Sor Vuthy.

Sovann said the suspect is a 20-year-old farmer. Both the suspect and victim lived in Khvav commune. “We could not arrest him in time but we know his identity and are attempting to detain him,” he said.

Vuthy’s relative said on the day of the incident, the suspect’s and victim’s families had a gathering and started drinking alcohol at 4:00pm. Both suspect and victim were under the influence of alcohol, the witness said.

“You only know how to drink every day without earning money to support your wife and children,” the witness quoted the victim as saying.

The suspect took offence and an argument ensued. “You look down on me”, complained the suspect.

“I just used some words and you got mad. What do you want to do now?” shouted the victim, according to Sovann.

The suspect and Vuthy each grabbed cleavers and the suspect struck Vuthy three times, inflicting wounds on the head, under the cheek, and the left side of the ribs. Vuthy collapsed and died at the scene.

The incident reportedly happened at 8:15pm, 1km from the police station. Authorities were notified of the murder by Vuthy’s family at 8:30pm, but the suspect escaped before police arrived.

Sovann said the suspect and victim were family members. He expressed surprise that the suspect was allowed to escape, but after investigating, authorities found no evidence of collusion.

“The news was reported late but our investigation showed no evidence that they [the families] tried to hide the suspect,” he said.

District and provincial authorities failed to locate the suspect after the crime, but the case has been sent to the provincial court and a warrant has been issued for the suspect’s arrest.