Lahad Datu Police Chief’s teen daughter dies in gunshot tragedy

MALAYSIA: Tragedy struck in Lahad Datu, Sabah, as the daughter of the Lahad Datu District Police Chief was discovered deceased at a residence on Tuesday (16 April).

The 14-year-old victim was discovered covered in blood in a room within her home at 12:42 pm.

At the time of the incident, Lahad Datu District Police Chief, Assistant Commissioner Dzulbaharin Ismail, was reportedly at his office in the Lahad Datu District police headquarters.

The incident is believed to have occurred when the victim discovered a gun belonging to Dzulbaharin, which was reportedly left at home on the day of the tragedy, leading to the accidental discharge of the firearm.

The Inspector General of Police, Tan Sri Razarudin Husain, confirmed the occurrence and emphasized that ongoing investigations are in progress.

Initial reports suggest that the victim’s sister, aged 16, was the first to discover her sibling’s distressing situation upon returning from school.

“The victim’s sister was the only person who found her sister lying in the room after returning from school,” the Inspector said.

Authorities are diligently examining the circumstances surrounding the incident, striving to ascertain the sequence of events leading to the tragic outcome.

The Inspector General of Police, Tan Sri Razarudin Husain reiterated the importance of refraining from premature conjecture as the investigation unfolds.

He disclosed that the post-mortem examination of the victim is scheduled to commence at 9:00 am on 17 April, alongside efforts to gather statements from all relevant witnesses.

Efforts are underway to comprehensively understand the events that transpired, with law enforcement urging the public to exercise patience and restraint in drawing conclusions until all facts have been diligently established.

“The public is advised not to make any speculations such as the victim shot herself or the like until the investigation has been completed,” the Inspector said.