A couple was charged in a magistrate’s court in Kuching today with the murder of a four-year-old boy early this month.
However, no plea was recorded from Ling Kok Liang, 51, and Wendy Chai Xue Zhen, 36, after the charge was read out to them before magistrate Zaiton Anuar as the case comes under the jurisdiction of the High Court.
The couple was charged with the murder of Eric Chang Wei Jie at No. 1493, Lorong 2, Taman Riverview, Jalan Daya, Bintawa, Kuching between 5pm on March 4 and 9.15am on March 8.
The charge was framed under section 302 of the penal code, which provides for the death sentence upon conviction.
The couple also face five charges each under Section 15(1) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, and no plea was taken on these charges either.
Chai and Ling were unrepresented.
The court set May 9 for mention.
Police launched a search operation for Chang on March 13 after Chai told them that the boy’s body had been dumped into the river at Muara Tebas.
The search was called off on March 19 after finding no clues of the boy.
Earlier, Kuching police chief Asst Comm Ahsmon Bajah said the case was considered solved with the charging of the suspects.
He said police seized a car, three mobile phones, several CCTV recordings, clothes and other items related to the case.
“This is a tragic case involving a four-year-old child who was supposed to be taken care of by his babysitter but became a victim,” he told a press conference.
ACP Ahsmon added that the case was an isolated incident, urging the public not to speculate on the motive.
“It has nothing to do with organ harvesting or revenge,” he said.
Earlier reports:
Mar 15, Parents, relatives perform prayers for missing toddler at Muara Tebas Wharf
Mar 14, Missing boy case reclassified as murder