Police sent four of five suspects to Battambang’s provincial court yesterday on charges of murder after a widow was found dead in Ratanak Mondul district’s Thvak village on Sunday.

At about 9pm on Sunday, Boeun Sapoeun, 51, was allegedly beaten to death by five intoxicated young men trying to steal a chicken from her as she shouted to neighbours for help.

Four of the suspects – Rin Sophal, Chreb Saran, Phay Samheng, and Morm Chanry – were arrested after several days of investigation, deputy police chief in Ratanak Mondul district, Ros Limsern said.

The fifth suspect, Rin Saroeun, fled into the mountains and remains at large, Limsern said.

Chet Vanny, deputy provincial police chief, said he ordered the investigation by local police after the woman’s body and other evidence were found at her home.

To contact the reporter on this story: Khoun Leakhana at [email protected]