Banteay Meanchey provincial criminal police are searching for a man suspected of raping and killing a woman in a rented room in Kbal Spean 1 village, Poipet commune and town, Banteay Meanchey province on March 2.

Provincial Police Chief Sith Los told The Post on March 3 that 23-year-old Huon Srey was found dead in her room with her throat cut, but authorities don’t know the motive for the murder.

“We have launched an investigation into the crime, but the killer has yet to be identified,” he said.

Commune Police Chief Im Sophearak said on March 3 that according to a preliminary report from the police, the victim and the suspect were not married and the perpetrator is Cambodian. Authorities are continuing the search for the suspect.

A police officer, who asked not to be named, said neighbours told him that the victim worked at a casino and they always saw a man visiting her. On the evening of March 2, the victim was seen sleeping in her room. At about 7pm a woman who rented a room next door knocked on the victim’s door to discuss work, but did not get a response.

The door was locked from the inside, which made her suspicious. She called neighbours to help unlock the door. Inside, they saw blood on the floor and the naked body of the victim. There was also a deep cut to her throat.

The incident was reported to commune administrative police and authorities went to the crime scene. Police then inspected the body and discovered that the woman had been raped.

According to witnesses, the suspect may have been acquainted with the victim and could have had a door key.

According to Poipet deputy police chief Prom Piseth, authorities are looking for clues about the perpetrator within the jurisdiction of the investigation.