Ten arrested in Sandakan after woman found bound, murdered in home

Ten arrested in Sandakan after woman found bound, murdered in home



An undated illustrative photo shows people restrained with handcuffs. —Picture By Raymond Manuel


Summary

• Police in Sandakan have arrested 10 suspects, including two primary individuals, in connection with the murder of a 62-year-old woman, whose decomposing body was found bound in a toilet on August 25.
• The suspects, aged between 10 and 39 and related to each other, include both locals and Philippine nationals.
• Investigations suggest the murder was motivated by a dispute over housing renovation payment and rent increases.
• The case is being investigated under Section 302 of the Penal Code, which allows for capital punishment or lengthy imprisonment if convicted.

By Malay Mail
First Published: Tuesday, 25 Aug 2026 9:02 AM MYT


SANDAKAN, Aug 25 — Police have arrested 10 suspects, including two primary individuals, following the brutal murder of a 62-year-old woman whose decomposing body was discovered bound inside a toilet in Tanah Merah, Jalan Leila, last Tuesday.

The victim, who lived alone in the two-storey wooden house, was found with her hands tied behind her back and her head covered with a cloth. Investigators believe she had been dead for several days prior to discovery, Sinar Harian reported.


Acting on a public tip-off regarding a foul stench emanating from the property, police responded to the scene at around 8.10pm and subsequently rounded up the 10 suspects in less than 24 hours.


Sandakan District Police Chief ACP George Abd Rakman confirmed the discovery.


“The discovery was made after police received information from the public at around 8.10pm regarding a foul smell coming from the house.


“The victim’s body was found decomposing and is believed to have been there for several days after she was killed,” he said in a statement.

George stated that the suspects, comprising five men and five women aged between 10 and 39, are all related to one another. Three are Philippine nationals, while the remaining seven are locals.


Initial interrogations revealed that the murder was triggered by a disagreement concerning payment for renovation works on the victim's house, alongside resentment over housing costs.

“The suspects were also believed to be dissatisfied after the victim increased the monthly rent for the house they were living in.

“Police also seized a wooden stick believed to have been used in the incident, as well as several personal belongings belonging to the victim that had been taken by the suspects,” George added.

The case is classified and investigated under Section 302 of the Penal Code for murder, which carries capital punishment or lengthy imprisonment upon conviction.