Lorry driver nabbed over suspected abuse, death of 4-year-old stepdaughter

 

The police detained a man in connection with the suspected abuse and subsequent death of his four-year-old stepdaughter on Feb 1.

Tampin district police chief Supt Anuwal Ab Wahab said the 30-year-old man was arrested on Feb 9 at about 10pm in front of the police station while waiting for his wife and nine-year-old stepson who were called to give a statement.

He said the cement truck driver was arrested after the victim’s brother informed that the girl was often beaten by her stepfather.

“On the evening of the incident, the victim’s brother overheard a loud beating sound and cries coming from his stepfather’s bedroom. By dawn, the victim was said to have been unconscious and was taken to the clinic.

“However, the victim was pronounced dead when she arrived at the clinic although she was given respiratory support,” Anuwal told Bernama today.

Elaborating, he said police had earlier received a doctor’s report from the Gemas health clinic about a little girl who had died on Feb 1.

“Results of the post-mortem conducted at Tuanku Ja’afar hospital found that the victim had suffered serious injuries in the head, bruises on her wrists and legs and bite marks on her body. Her three left ribs were also broken.

“Dental specialists from Kuala Lumpur hospital confirmed that there were adult bite marks on her right hand, shoulder and wrist and the forensics department confirmed that the head injury was caused by a blunt object,” he added.

Anuwal said the suspect was also positive for methamphetamine and had previous criminal records for theft.

The suspect has been remanded until next Tuesday and the case is being investigated under Section 31 (1) of the Child Act 2001.

- Bernama