No evidence shows killer acquainted with two victims in Plaza Hollywood butchering

There was no evidence that showed a 39-year-old man with mental disorder record was acquainted with the two young women he brutally stabbed to death in Plaza Hollywood on Friday afternoon, according to police. 

Speaking at a briefing at midnight on Saturday, police’s senior superintendent Eileen Chung Lai-yee said the suspect named Szeto entered the Diamond Hill mall around 5 pm and immediately headed to a homeware store on the 2/F to purchase the 12-inch-long Japanese knife he used to commit the attack on the 3/F. 

“Police received multiple reports by citizens regarding an assault in Plaza Hollywood at 5.15 pm. In just four minutes officers rushed to the scene and swiftly subdued and arrested the suspect. 

“Officers at the scene also found two local women aged 26 and 22, who sustained a significant number of knife wounds on their bodies and had been bleeding profusely. 

“They were immediately rushed to United Christian Hospital. Sadly, they were certified dead at 6.06 pm and 6.47 pm, respectively,” Chung said. 

Preliminary investigations revealed the suspect had mental disorder record and needed to see a doctor regularly. 

“Police believe the suspect committed the crime alone. At this stage of the investigation, there is no evidence that shows the two deceased victims are acquainted with the suspect,” Chung added. 

Chungh also said the suspect’s relationship with the two victims and his motives are one of the most important investigation directions for officers. The case is now handled by the Kowloon East regional crime squad. 

Sources said Szeto lived on social assistance and suffered from paranoid schizophrenia – a mental disorder. Sources added he had knifed his father before and sought medical attention from a psychiatrist back in March. 

Also read: Two women brutally killed by man wielding a 12-inch knife in Plaza Hollywood