KOTA KINABALU, Feb 13 — The suspect and the victim in the brutal murder case in Sepanggar here yesterday were believed to have been in a dispute over their engagement.

Kota Kinabalu police said that witnesses in Kampung Sri Kenangan in Sepanggar told police they had seen the victim running out of a house in distress before being pulled back inside by a man.

“Later, at about 8.10pm, police arrested the 71-year-old suspect at the Emergency Unit of Hospital Queen Elizabeth II,” said Acting Kota Kinabalu district police chief Syed Lot Syed Ab Rahman

A second suspect, aged 19, was detained at around 10.30pm at a residential unit in Taman Seri Maju Apartment, Sepanggar.

Several items were seized during the arrests, including mobile phones, clothing believed to have been worn during the incident, and a gold-coloured Nissan X-Trail.

During questioning, the 71 year old suspect admitted involvement, with investigators saying the motive was linked to a dispute over the relationship and a demand for engagement money.

Police said investigations are ongoing.

Both suspects are being held under Section 302 of the Penal Code for murder.

The case came to light following the discovery of human remains at a rubbish dumping area in Indah Permai, Menggatal, yesterday morning. Trash collectors found the arm and leg, which had fallen out of a garbage bag.

At 11.40am, the head and torso were found at a separate dumping site nearby.

The body was believed to have been hacked into seven parts, although an arm and leg have yet to be recovered.