Police in Koh Kong province are on the lookout for a 15-year-old who allegedly murdered a12-year-old boy in what is believed to be a revenge killing.

Ngeth Sovannara, deputy police chief of Khemarak Phoumin town, said the incident happened in Village 4, Dangtung commune, Khemarak Phoumin town on May 12.

He said police are questioning the parents of the suspect as part of its investigation.

“We have not ascertained what led to the murder, but our preliminary investigations lead us to believe that it’s a case of revenge,” he said. The victim hails from the same village.

Sovannara said: “On Monday, my officers and I went to the suspect’s house to question his parents and gather information.”

He said results of an autopsy indicate the victim was stabbed twice with a knife – in the left abdomen and left side of his chest.

Yung Phanith, a legal expert, said though the accused is only 15, he can be tried under criminal law. “Anyone under 18 convicted of a criminal offence gets half the sentence of an adult,” he said.