Two suspects including a famous former kickboxer were charged in connection with the murder of a man in Kampong Speu province on Monday.

Choung Vannak, 34, also known as Raksmey or Ngoal, and his alleged accomplice, former kickboxing champion Try Kunthor, were arrested at a guesthouse on Monday in Kampot town, Kampot provincial deputy police chief Mao Chanmeakthurith said.

“The two suspects were charged with shooting crimes, and we will send them back to the province where they committed the crime after the lawsuit is prepared,” he said.

The two suspects were caught at about 11pm, a few hours after allegedly fleeing the scene of the crime, when they were recognised by police after leaving their guesthouse to buy a milkshake and bread, he added.

Tith Vannak, Kampong Speu provincial crime office director, identified the victim as 67-year-old grocer Sann Soeun, who he said was shot in Phnom Sruoch district. “The suspect shot the victim in the head from behind. We are having difficulty concluding whether they killed him because of spite, robbery or political stuff,” he said.

Phnom Srouch district deputy police chief Pov Neun said a man had walked into the victim’s shop to buy some beer just before the crime. After passing a $20 bill to the victim, the suspect shot him in the back of the head as he turned to get change.

In 2007, Try Kunthor was found guilty of armed robbery and jailed for several years.