Irene Sofiya murder: Johor police awaiting DPP decision before remand expires

JOHOR BAHRU, Oct 13 — Johor police are awaiting further instructions from the state’s Deputy Public Prosecutor (DPP) for the next course of action in the murder case of 16-year-old Irene Sofiya Mohd Khairool Faisal.

Johor police chief Datuk Ab Rahaman Arsad said investigators have referred the investigation papers to the DPP last Friday and are currently waiting for instructions or a decision.

“We have not yet received any instructions from the DPP’s office yet as the case is still under review.

“Since the primary suspect is underage, the matter requires a more detailed and careful consideration.

“We hope to receive official instructions from the DPP’s office before the remand period expires,” he told reporters after a monthly assembly at the Johor police contingent headquarters here today.

He was responding to updates in the tragic death of Irene Sofiya, who was believed to have been killed with a blunt object on October 3.

The Form Four victim was found unconscious and covered in blood in a school hall in Yong Peng at 5.50pm. She was later pronounced dead.

Currently, investigators have remanded a 16-year-old male student who is suspected of the murder in an extended remand order until this Thursday.

The teenager, described as the primary suspect, had previously been remanded for six days from October 4 to assist in the investigation into the death of Irene Sofiya.

Earlier last week, police seized a 96-centimetre metal bar and a sports shirt stained with blood to assist in the murder probe under Section 302 of the Penal Code.

Investigators believe the motive stemmed from the suspect’s feelings of resentment toward the victim, including the rejection of his romantic advances and her relationship with his close friend.