3 boys, all aged 16, arrested in Johor over alleged murder of girl, 16, their schoolmate

Three boys, all aged 16, have been arrested over the alleged murder of a girl, 16, who was their secondary school schoolmate in Yong Peng, Johor, Malaysia.

Irene Sofiya Mohd Khairool Faisal, 16, was found unconscious and covered in blood in the school hall on Oct. 3, Bernama reported.

Johor police chief Ab Rahaman Arsad said she sustained several injuries to her head and body and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Grandmother went to school to look for her

Irene’s grandmother became concerned when she had not returned home by 5:30pm, according to New Straits Times .

Her aunt, Siti Nur Faeza Khyar, told NST that she and Irene’s grandmother went to search for the teenager after an extra class that ended at 5pm.

Her grandmother subsequently found her in the school hall.

Irene had been living with her grandmother following her mother’s death from cancer.

Her father works in Kuala Lumpur.

One suspect remanded until Oct. 9

Police arrested the three boys within hours of the discovery, The Star reported.

One suspect was brought before a magistrate on Oct. 4 and will be remanded for six days, until Oct. 9.

The local police said the boy had no previous criminal record.

The status of the other two suspects was unclear.

The case is being investigated for murder.

An autopsy was conducted at Sultanah Nora Ismail Hospital in Batu Pahat on Oct. 4.

Police said the motive and circumstances surrounding the incident have yet to be established.

Wanted to become a doctor

Faeza described Irene as hardworking, quiet and kind, saying she regularly ranked first or second in her form during examinations.

The teenager hoped to become a doctor, following in her late mother’s footsteps.

Faeza recalled Irene asking what type of doctor she could become, and suggested that she consider specialising in obstetrics and gynaecology.

Her aunt said both the family and school had high hopes for her.

PM Anwar calls for swift investigation

Malaysia prime minister Anwar Ibrahim said in an Oct. 4 Facebook post that he has instructed authorities to conduct an immediate, thorough and transparent investigation.

He said firm action must be taken according to the law if criminal elements were found, adding that the government would not compromise on children’s safety and well-being.

Anwar also offered his condolences to Irene’s family.