Bangkok: In a disturbing incident that unfolded in the Wat Khuhasawan community, police have filed two serious charges against a young man named Mr. Kittidet, who, under the influence of drugs, shot and killed two villagers. The charges come amidst concerns from the victims’ families that he might claim mental illness and evade conviction.
According to Thai News Agency, CCTV footage captured by Phasi Charoen police shows Mr. Kittidet being arrested after a shooting spree that claimed the lives of two individuals at Wat Khuhasawan in the Phasi Charoen district. The footage depicts Mr. Kittidet resisting arrest and challenging officers to shoot him. Despite police efforts to persuade him to surrender, he fled to his residence before eventually being apprehended.
Initial investigations revealed that Mr. Kittidet was hallucinating due to drug use. He reportedly believed that the first victim, a woman named Lee, was performing black magic on him. Acting on this delusion, he shot her while she was washing clothes. Following this, he encountered another acquaintance named Ting and shot her as well. Both victims were well-known to Mr. Kittidet, with no prior conflicts reported.
Community members revealed that Mr. Kittidet is the son of the owner of a local school and had been known as a good child prior to his involvement with drugs approximately 5-6 years ago. His behavior reportedly changed due to drug effects, leading to hallucinations. Although he frequently carried a gun, a shooting spree of this nature was unprecedented. Previous incidents involving the perpetrator included a shooting that left another person disabled.
Pol. Maj. Gen. Chotiwat Luengwilai, Commander of Investigation at the Metropolitan Police Bureau, disclosed that Mr. Kittidet possessed a psychiatric patient card and had received treatment in the past, though he did not maintain his medication regimen. Investigations revealed incoherent speech, potentially linked to chemical imbalances in his brain, necessitating medical evaluation.
The prosecution has confirmed that the weapon used in the shooting was legally registered, and additional evidence, including multiple firearms and ammunition, was recovered from Mr. Kittidet’s residence. The defense of mental illness will be subjected to rigorous verification in the judicial process. Phasi Charoen Police Station is tasked with gathering further evidence, including witness testimonies and comprehensive case documentation.
The families of the victims have expressed apprehension regarding the suspect’s potential to evade justice. Authorities have assured that the investigation will be thorough, supported by extensive evidence including witness accounts, CCTV footage, and forensic findings. The charges against Mr. Kittidet include intentional murder and violations of the Firearms Act, with a strong opposition to bail due to the suspect’s perceived danger to society.