Shocking Murder Spree in Nong Bua Lamphu Leaves Community in Mourning

A frenzied son-in-law, identified as Watanyu, also known as Ball, from Buriram province, brutally murdered his mother-in-law and aunt in a shocking spree that ended in their deaths. The horrific incident occurred on February 25, in the district of Sri Bun Rueang, Nong Bua Lamphu province.

After the killings, the 26-year-old assailant fled the scene on a stolen motorcycle, hiding out in an abandoned house near an ice factory, 15 kilometres from the crime scene. Watanyu confessed to all charges and led police to the location where he discarded the murder weapon.

The murder investigation took a significant step forward two days later today, when police from the Nong Bua Lamphu Provincial Investigation Unit, together with officers from the Sri Bun Rueang Police Station, apprehended Watanyu at his original home in the Plub Pla Chai district of Buriram. Watanyu used a knife to behead his mother-in-law, Kulap, and subsequently ran over his aunt-in-law, Waewta, with a Toyota vehicle, leading to both women’s deaths.

Two other relatives and neighbours sustained injuries from the knife attack as well. The police, led by Superintendent Sumit Nantsathit, prioritized the investigation and the perpetrator’s detention within the day. A drug test conducted by the Sri Bun Rueang Hospital came back negative, leaving the question of motive painfully open for his wife, who was left in utter devastation.

Given the clear evidence against Watanyu and the risk of retaliation from grieving relatives, police decided against re-enacting the crime scene. The victims’ families have arranged a Buddhist funeral at the home of Kularb in Thung Pho village. Relatives, neighbours, and friends joined the funeral rites, which commenced on the evening of February 26.

Furthermore, Nattikan Chanwor, the provincial president of the Mahad Thai Housewives Association of Nong Bua Lamphu, delegated Rujiroj Chongrakthok, the district president of Sri Bun Rueang, to console the family and offer a 3,000 baht condolence donation on behalf of the community. The Mangkorn Sri Bun Rueang Rescue Foundation has coordinated the transportation of the bodies for the cremation ceremony set to take place on Thursday, February 29, in the local forest cemetery in Thung Pho village.

Domestic Violence Epidemic

This tragedy not only left a community in mourning but also raised questions about the mental health and societal pressures that could drive an individual to such an extreme and violent act. The authorities’ handling of the case, the support from the community, and the swift action of the police in capturing the perpetrator have been central to the story as it unfolds. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of domestic violence and the importance of addressing its root causes to prevent such tragedies in the future, reported KhaoSod.

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