A man was arrested by Kampong Chhnang provincial police on Monday for allegedly killing his wife and seriously injuring his nine-year-old son with an axe in a drunken rage.

The attacks took place on Sunday in Boribor district’s Anh Chanh Roung commune.

Douch Chamroeun, chief of Kampong Chhnang provincial police’s serious crime bureau, told The Post on Monday that the suspect was a 41-year-old man, while his wife was 46.

“I don’t know whether he will be sent to the provincial court on Monday or Tuesday as I am still questioning him,” Chamroeun said.

Thun Ratana, Anh Chanh Roung commune police chief, told The Post that they were currently unable to ascertain a motive for the attack.

“The suspect did not have any letter from hospital saying he was mentally ill. He was a drunk. He drank too much until it damaged his mental state. Whether this killing was rooted in jealousy, I cannot confirm because no member of his family has told me he was jealous of his wife,” he said.

Ratana said that according to an eyewitness, the suspect returned home on Sunday night after drinking, finding his wife and son watching television. The husband then grabbed an axe, killing his wife with blows to the head and ear.

The suspect then attacked his young son, seriously injuring him. The boy was taken to hospital in Phnom Penh.

Neighbours called Anh Chanh Roung commune police who immediately arrested the man.