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M’sian pharmacist fatally stabbed by homeless man in Australia, suspect was off schizophrenia meds

29-year-old Malaysian pharmacist allegedly stabbed by homeless man in Australia

On Tuesday (22 Oct), a 29-year-old Malaysian pharmacist was allegedly stabbed to death by a homeless man who suffered from schizophrenia.

According to 7NEWS, Kum Chuan ‘KC’ Leong was found dead in his house in Melbourne, Australia after failing to turn up for work.

Simon Hunter, 54, who has no fixed address, was subsequently arrested near a toilet block near Leong’s home. It is unclear if the two men knew each other.

Source: 7NEWS

Suspect did not take medication for over 2 weeks

During the court hearing, Hunter stood shirtless with only a park of dark shorts on. This prompted the magistrate to order him to be taken to another room.

Hunter eventually attended court virtually from a police interview room.

However, the 54-year-old got into several fits of anger and apparently spouted “incoherent ramblings”.

The accused’s lawyer later shared that Hunter had been diagnosed with schizophrenia and that he had not taken his medication for two weeks.

He will return to court in Jan 2025.

A ‘talented leader’ & mentor for budding pharmacists

According to his Facebook page, Leong had graduated from Monash University in Australia just last month and moved into his house in Melbourne six months ago.

Source: Facebook

He worked as a pharmacist at Eastern Health — a public health service provider.

 

Eastern Health’s Chief Executive David Plunkett described Leong as a “talented leader” and mentor for budding pharmacists.

“It is with great sadness that Eastern Health acknowledge the shocking death of our friend and colleague Kum Chuan ‘KC’ Leong,” Plunkett said.

He also took the opportunity to urge others to respect the privacy of Leong’s family, friends, and colleagues during this trying period.

Leong’s family reportedly flew to Melbourne from Malaysia on Thursday (24 Oct).

Also read: Man in M’sia allegedly stumbles upon burglars breaking into his home, stabbed 20 times & killed

Have news you must share? Get in touch with us via email at news@mustsharenews.com.

Featured image adapted from KC Leong on Facebook and 7NEWS

Tas Angullia

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