An 11-year-old girl who had been missing for three days is believed to have been murdered after her decomposed body was found in a bushy area on a hillside in Kampung Numbak, Kota Kinabalu, on Wednesday.
The body of Nurjilya Abdullah, 11, was identified by her mother based on the clothing she was wearing when she was reported missing.
Acting Kota Kinabalu Police Chief Superintendent Syed Lot Syed Ab Rahman said police received a report from members of the public at 10.38pm regarding the discovery of a body near a house under construction on a hillside covered with dense vegetation.
Initial examinations by the police forensic team found that the victim’s body was already in an advanced state of decomposition.
A post-mortem conducted by a forensic pathologist concluded that the girl is believed to have died from injuries to her face and the back of her head, which were consistent with blunt force trauma inflicted using a hard object.
Following investigations and intelligence gathered, police arrested two men to assist with the murder investigation.
“The two suspects will be brought before the court for a remand application to facilitate further investigations,” Syed Lot said in a statement on Thursday.
He added that the motive for the killing has yet to be established, with investigators continuing to gather witness statements and other evidence.
Police have urged the public not to speculate or circulate unverified information that could interfere with the investigation.
Anyone with information related to the case is urged to contact investigating officer ASP La Paula Abd Muis at 013-5149490 or visit the nearest police station.
The case is being investigated under Section 302 of the Penal Code for murder.
