JOHOR BARU: The motive behind the murder of Bella, also known as Mila Sharmila Samsusah, 32, was jealousy said Inspector-General of Police, Tan Sri Razarudin Husain.
The motive was identified through a comprehensive police investigation.
"The motive for Bella's murder is due to a case of jealousy and heartbreak. A murder case must have a motive. From this motive, we will start and get an overview of our investigation. So, this is the motive that we learned through the investigation," he said.
He made these remarks at a press conference at the Johor Contingent Police Headquarters (IPK) in Johor Baru earlier today.
Earlier, Razarudin attended the Rank Presentation Ceremony and Handover of Duties for the Chief of Police of Johor, the Deputy Chief of Police of Johor, and the Chairman of the Police Family Association (PERKEP) of the Johor Contingent at IPK Johor.
Bella was reported missing on the night of December 14 after going to a laundromat with her male friend.
The disappearance of Bella, who has two children, Eusof Abdul Fatah, 4, and Maream Isabel, 2, was only noticed the following day after messages and phone calls to her sister, Norhisham, went unanswered.
Police then arrested Bella's 24-year-old male friend and investigated under Section 365 of the Penal Code. Two other individuals believed to be connected to Bella's disappearance were also detained to assist in the investigation.
Last Friday, the body of a woman was found in an abandoned house in Batu 7, Tongkang Pechah, after the suspect was arrested upon returning to the country after performing umrah with his family.
Batu Pahat police chief, Assistant Commissioner Ismail Dollah confirmed that the body found was Bella's based on the results of a deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) test.