A 57-year-old man reportedly opened fire on his younger brother from his bedroom window after a heated dispute sparked by claims of slander. The fatal shooting occurred at a residence in Kampung Kangkawang, Jalan Kemabong, leaving the local community in shock following the violent family tragedy.
Tenom District Police Chief, Superintendent Azmir Abd Razak, disclosed that the suspect had been struggling with long-term mental health challenges. These issues reportedly intensified following a divorce from his wife, after which the victim took over the care of the suspect’s young daughter.
On the morning of the incident, the suspect’s temper flared when he accused the 54-year-old victim and his wife of speaking ill of him. The suspect claimed he could hear their disparaging remarks from his neighbouring house, leading to an immediate and aggressive confrontation that escalated rapidly.
Before the shooting, the suspect allegedly vented his frustrations by hacking at the victim’s dragon fruit plants with a parang. Driven by a lingering dissatisfaction, he eventually retreated into his home to retrieve a ‘bakakuk’, a type of locally made self-made firearm.
Investigators believe the suspect discharged the weapon through his window, striking his brother at the adjacent property. The victim was confirmed dead at the scene, while the suspect was later shot dead by police after refusing to surrender and posing a direct threat to the responding officers.
