Police in Kratie province’s Chet Borey district are probing the killing of four people in a family who are believed to have been shot dead and their house set afire to destroy evidence.

Chet Borey district police chief Chea Hieng told The Post that a couple and their two children were killed in Pa’Ear village in Thmey commune last Thursday.

“Police found their charred remains at the scene. According to witnesses who live nearby and based on initial police investigations, we have concluded the case to be one of premeditated murder,” he said.

Thmey commune police chief Cheam Chan Koma said the murders are believed to have happened at about 11 pm on August 9.

The victims were identified as Chum Chhean, 43; wife Choun Sokneang, 38; 11-year-old son, Chhean Chy, and nine-year-old daughter Chhean Vanny.