KT

 

A young man has been arrested in Cambodia after allegedly killing nine members of his wife’s family in a devastating arson attack that has shocked Kampong Cham province.

 

Authorities say 21‑year‑old Soben Minea set fire to his in‑laws’ home in Pon village, Tuol Sambuor commune, Stung Trang district, at around 5:30 a.m. on Sunday, 23 November. Eight victims — seven women and one man — were trapped inside and perished in the blaze. A ninth relative was found murdered nearby, about 100 metres from the burning house. All were blood relatives of Minea’s wife.

 

Police launched a rapid manhunt and arrested the suspect just four hours later in O’Hah, Kilo 10 village, also in Stung Trang district. Officers reported that Minea appeared mentally unstable, though initial drug tests were negative. Further medical and psychiatric examinations are under way.

 

Investigators say Minea confessed to the killings, citing ongoing domestic disputes with his wife. His statement indicated he intended to kill his mother‑in‑law, wife, brother‑in‑law and several young nieces and nephews.

 

Provincial officials condemned the attack as “savage and unforgivable,” describing it as one of the most extreme acts of domestic violence in recent memory. They offered condolences to the surviving relatives and urged law enforcement to pursue the case with full rigour.

 

Authorities stressed that preliminary findings point to an internal family conflict rather than a wider criminal dispute. Forensic teams continue to examine the scene, while prosecutors interrogate the suspect and assess his mental state.

 

Officials have appealed to the public and media to rely on verified information as investigations progress, warning against speculation in the face of such a grave tragedy.

 

 

 

-2025-11-24

How desperately sad.