Chonburi: In the ongoing investigation of the brutal murder of a young woman whose body was discovered stuffed in a suitcase in a reservoir in Chonburi Province, police are actively seeking leads to identify the culprit. They have uncovered fingerprints on the dumbbells used to weigh down the suitcase.
According to Thai News Agency, officers from Huai Yai Police Station, alongside forensic experts, retrieved a large black suitcase secured with a metal chain and padlock from the Khlong Bang Phai Reservoir in Huai Yai Subdistrict, Bang Lamung District. The suitcase was emitting a foul odor and, upon inspection, was found to contain the body of a young woman, approximately 30 years old, with her upper body unclothed and wearing cream-colored 3/4 length pants. Bruising was noted on her neck, chest, and nose, suggesting foul play, and it is believed she had been deceased for about five days. The body has been sent for a detailed autopsy to ascertain her identity and origin.
Within the suitcase, authorities discovered nine dumbbells of varying weights, which were used to submerge it. Latent fingerprints have been lifted from the dumbbells for further examination to track down the suspect.
A local navy officer, Private First Class Phakthorn, who was guarding the reservoir, disclosed that the area falls under the Royal Thai Navy's jurisdiction, with national rowing athletes currently using it for SEA Games training. Despite restrictions, some individuals have been sneaking in, and five days before the discovery, a light resembling a flashlight was noticed, possibly indicating unauthorized activity. Additionally, unusual howling of dogs was heard for an entire night three days prior to the discovery, a first for the area.
The investigation is also exploring links to a similar murder case from earlier in the year, where a young woman's body was found in a red suitcase, weighted down with dumbbells, and submerged in water just 14 kilometers away in Ban Chang District. The similarities in the modus operandi have prompted authorities to consider a potential connection between the two cases.