A 22-year-old woman was found dead in a rental room yesterday, and her jealous husband is the primary suspect, according to Meanchey district police.

Mao Savoeun, Stung Meanchey commune police chief, said yesterday that the victim was found dead in the room but nothing was stolen, leading them to rule out robbery.

Another police official, who asked not to be named, identified the victim as Phat Sreynet, 22, a waitress from Tbong Khmum province. He said neighbours reported overhearing an argument between the victim and her husband – who police did not identify by name – on Sunday, adding the murder was thought to be motivated by jealousy.

The official said the victim’s mother became concerned when her daughter didn’t come for her usual morning visit and didn’t answer her phone. The mother came to the daughter’s room, asking neighbours to break open the lock, and found her body.

“According to our examination, the victim was strangled with rope. Police are searching for the suspect in Kampong Speu province,” said Ieng Sorphea, director of the Phnom Penh municipal crime office.