KLANG: Four people have been charged with murder after a transgender person died following an assault in Bukit Tinggi two weeks ago.
The accused, Low Shi Haur, 21, Tan Khim Siang, 19, and two teenage boys aged 16 and 17 respectively, nodded in understanding when the charge was read to them before Magistrate Solehah Noratikah Ismail at the Magistrate’s Court here today.
However, no plea was recorded.
They were charged with murdering the victim in front of a hotel at Bandar Bukit Tinggi at about 7am on Dec 12. Another suspect, who is still at large, was charged in absentia.
They were charged under Section 302 of the Penal Code, which provides the death penalty upon conviction.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Firdaus Idris prosecuted while the accused were represented by lawyers Akmal Jusoh, M. Varalehchumy and G. Santiago.
No bail was granted and the court set January 30 for case mention.
It was previously reported that the transgender person was found with severe injuries after he was beaten with a blunt object.
The victim, 32, from Sabah, died at the Tengku Ampuan Rahimah Hospital (HTAR) Klang on Dec 13.
An autopsy revealed 32 different injuries on the victim’s body, including internal haemorrhaging in the brain, as well as a cracked skull.
According to the police, the assault took place following accusations that the victim had stolen a mobile phone from one of the suspects in November.