KOTA KINABALU: A local youth is facing the mandatory death sentence if found guilty of murdering a 20-year-old man eight months ago.
DISCUSSION: Muhammad (left) listens to his counsel Hamid, after his murder trial date was fixed yesterday.
High Court Judicial Commissioner Stephen Chung yesterday reserved Jan 24 to 28 next year for the trial of Muhammad Mat Salleh who is defended by assigned counsel Hamid Ismail.
The 19-year-old accused from Papar allegedly murdered Kelly Cristine at a family recreation centre in Papar at 3.15pm on Feb 7.
The alleged offence comes under Section 302 of the Penal Code which provides for mandatory death penalty.
The court ordered the accused to be held in custody under Section 259 of the Criminal Procedure Code pending his trial as the alleged offence is not bailable.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Mohamad Zairi Zainal Abidin told the court that the prosecution would be calling 25 witnesses to testify against Muhammad.