A shocking case has emerged from Kuala Lumpur where a 53-year-old pastor, N. Deanesh Narayanan Nair, has been charged with the alleged murder of his mother, 77-year-old Catherine Daniel. The grisly details reveal that her body was stored in a freezer for over three years.
Details of the Allegation
According to court reports, Deanesh is accused of committing the crime between 21 and 26 March 2021. He allegedly punched his mother to death during a dispute regarding religious beliefs. After the murder, he wrapped her body in a towel and plastic sheets, before placing it in a freezer.
Legal Proceedings
- The charge against Deanesh falls under Section 302 of the Penal Code, which carries severe penalties, including the death sentence and a minimum of 30 years imprisonment.
- During his court appearance on 26 November 2024, he arrived in a wheelchair and acknowledged the charge read to him.
- Magistrate Atiqah Mohamed fixed the next mention for 7 February 2025, and bail was denied due to the nature of the offence.
Discovery of the Body
Catherine’s body was discovered on 12 November 2024, when Deanesh reportedly called the police to surrender himself. He claimed he was suffering from chronic health issues and had depleted his savings. Additionally, early autopsy reports indicate that she suffered injuries consistent with blunt force trauma.
Community Response
Residents from Deanesh’s neighbourhood recounted that they hadn’t seen Catherine since the start of the Movement Control Order during the COVID-19 pandemic. Neighbours described Deanesh as friendly but noted he rarely left his home.
Next Steps
Investigators have recorded 13 witness statements related to the case, with post-mortem and DNA reports still pending. This tragic incident highlights the complexities surrounding mental health and familial disputes, an issue that often escalates in silence.