The 14-year-old suspect in SMK Bandar Utama Damansara 4’s fatal stabbing tragedy was charged with murder today (22 October) at the Petaling Jaya Magistrate’s Court, but the case is far from over.
Following the Court’s approval, the suspect will be sent to the Hospital Bahagia Ulu Kinta in Tanjung Rambutan, Perak, for a one-month psychiatric evaluation. The report of the evaluation can take up to 3 months to complete.
“He’s also a victim in his situation”
Lawyer Kitson Foong, who appeared in court as amicus curiae (an impartial advisor to the Court), pointed out that the representative lawyer applied for the defendant to undergo a psychiatric evaluation to determine the defendant’s mental state at the time of committing the crime.
Kitson also shared that the suspect is also a victim himself, as reported by China Press.
“In this case, everyone is a victim. I know this case has taken a life, but in my opinion, the defendant is also a victim in his situation.”
He said he would like to seek expert advice to gain a more complete understanding of the possible causes of this behaviour. Kitson also said the application was made under Section 342 of the Criminal Procedure Code, which relates to procedures for accused persons suspected of being of unsound mind, which allows the court to conduct an investigation or trial based on the accused’s unsound mind.
The psychiatric report is expected to be released on 1 November
Speaking to the media outside the Magistrate’s Court in PJ, Kitson said the suspect appeared calm and was accompanied by his parents.
“The suspect nodded after the charges were read to him in Mandarin. He was not cuffed because he is a juvenile. In the Magistrate Court, there is no need for the accused to plead guilty or not guilty. Understanding the charge is enough, as the case falls under the jurisdiction of the High Court.”
Kitson added that the psychiatric report is expected to be released on 1 November, but also highlighted the possibility that the experts may need a longer time to evaluate the suspect.
“This case will not be resolved within a month. Like I’ve said, the report may take one to three months to be completed.”
Earlier, local media reported that Magistrate Amira Sariaty Zainal granted an application by lawyer Anwar Ezzad Zainal under Section 342 of the Criminal Procedure Code for the accused to undergo a psychiatric evaluation.
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