A petty argument over rent amount between a tenant and a building owner took a violent turn when a 21-year-old suspect allegedly stabbed the landlord to death in a shocking “premeditated” attack.
The horrific incident came to light only when a prospective customer intending to rent an apartment from his building stopped to take a look, after the landlord failed to respond to multiple calls he made.
“I was chilled with fear seeing him lying motionless in a pool of blood after stepping into his apartment,” the customer told prosecutors. After regaining composure, I immediately called the police and informed the incident. “I went there to talk to him about an apartment I wanted to take for rent in his building. “However, he didn’t pick up or return my calls. So, I decided to pay him a visit.”
Authorities then rushed a forensic team to the crime scene. Police said the forensic team collected several DNA samples and fingerprints from the crime scene, which later led to catching the suspect. Cops also scoured through CCTV footage to pinpoint the suspect, whose DNA and fingerprints matched the crime scene evidence.
The suspect, court files said, is an Asian national, whose name and other details are withheld. Investigators told the court that the suspect acted premeditatedly and came to the spot well before the victim and waited for him to arrive.
During interrogation, the suspect told officers that he went to the landlord’s apartment and remained in hiding behind doors for him to arrive. “As soon as he stepped in, I charged at him and stabbed him multiple times, ensuring his death.
Soon after the incident, police said the suspect ran off, leaving the victim to bleed to death. Public prosecution charged the man with premeditated murder. If proven guilty, the court could award him capital punishment. The High Criminal Court has started hearing the case.
