Police Believe 16-Year-Old Irene Sofiya Was Killed After Rejecting Classmate’s Advances

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Police believe resentment over rejected romantic advances may have motivated the killing of 16-year-old Irene Sofiya Mohd Khairool Faisal, who was found dead at her school in Yong Peng, Johor, on 3 October

According to the New Straits Times, Johor police chief Datuk Ab Rahaman Arsad said the possible motive emerged from further investigations into the victim's 16-year-old classmate, who remains in police remand.

"Based on the latest investigations, police believe the murder was motivated by the suspect's resentment towards the victim for rejecting his advances. The victim was said to be in a relationship with the suspect's best friend," Ab Rahaman told reporters today, 9 October.

However, he said the motive remained under investigation.

The police chief added that investigations were almost complete, with the investigation papers scheduled to be referred to the Johor Prosecution Director's Office today for further instructions.

A post-mortem found that Irene died from blunt force trauma to the head

Ab Rahaman said the Form Four student sustained severe head injuries consistent with repeated blows, as well as bruising to her body and defensive injuries on her hands, suggesting she had tried to protect herself during the attack.

Signs of a struggle were also evident at the scene in the secondary school hall, where flower pots had been broken and tables and chairs overturned.

Police believe the suspect struck Irene several times with a 96cm-long metal rod wrapped in a necktie to provide a better grip.

Investigators have also seized several items believed to be connected to the murder, including the metal rod.

So far, police have found no signs of attempted rape, Ab Rahaman added.

The police said further details about the incident, including the suspect's movements and the chronology of events, could not be disclosed at this stage

"They will be presented in detail if the case is brought to court," he said.

He added that the suspect had no previous record of disciplinary problems at school, and questions about the suspect's mental health would be left to the court's discretion, including whether a referral to a psychiatric specialist would be necessary if he were charged.

Ab Rahaman also urged the public not to speculate or circulate unverified information, warning that doing so could disrupt investigations and cause public distress.

The case is being investigated under Section 302 of the Penal Code for murder

The New Straits Times reported that the suspect's remand was extended for another six days after his initial remand period ended today.