KOTA KINABALU: A group of youths who tried to intervene in a public fight between a divorced couple were themselves attacked, resulting in one of them being killed, and three severely wounded.
District police chief Assistant Commissioner M. Chandra said one of the group was found dead with slash wounds on his forehead and neck at Jalan Coastal here at about 4.15am.
"The body of 17-year-old Yacoob Nasran was sent to Queen Elizabeth hospital for a post-mortem.
"Another three of the group, who were severely wounded, are in stable condition at the hospital," he said.
It is learned that the group of seven youths, aged between 18 and 20, had just exited an entertainment outlet when they came upon a man arguing with his ex-wife.
The argument became very heated, and the young men tried to calm the 26-year-old husband down.
"(But the) man become incensed and (called to his male) cousin, (who was nearby), to help him attack the (young men).
"(Using a) machete, (the duo then) attacked the young people," Chandra added.
Early investigation shows that the suspect had argued with his ex-wife due to jealousy.
The ex-wife works at an entertainment outlet near Asia Star City Complex here.
Chandra said police are searching for the man and his cousin.
The case is being investigated under Section 302 of the Penal Code for murder.