Paragon Shooting Case Rejected Over Missing Psychiatric Report

The case file for the 14-year-old shooter who shot and killed three and injured four in a major Bangkok mall in early October was rejected by prosecutors.

The investigation report was returned to authorities after the prosecution found that it was filed before police obtained a psychiatric evaluation from the Galya Rajanagarinda Institute, where the boy is receiving treatment.

Naken Thongpraiwan, deputy spokesman for the Office of the Attorney-General, told reporters that police failed to adhere to the Criminal Procedure Code by interrogating and charging the suspect before obtaining the psychiatric report. In accordance with the law, police must ascertain whether the suspect is mentally stable and able to stand fit for trial.

Pathumwan Police began interrogating the suspect on Nov. 3 and filed the psychiatric report on Dec. 20, though Naken said the report was filed on Nov. 21. The institute ruled that the boy was “found to have no understanding of the charges against him” and was unable to regulate emotions and therefore unfit to stand for trial.

Naken added that authorities are able to submit the report again before the case’s statute of limitations ends in 20 years.

It’s been almost three months since the shooting, during which the 14-year-old suspect killed two women – Chinese national Zhao Jinnan and Myanmar national Mor Myint – and injured four others. Among the injured, 30-year-old Penpiwan Mitthampak succumbed to her injuries 10 days after the incident.

Pathumwan Police filed five charges against the suspect, namely premeditated murder, attempted murder, shooting in a public space, possession of firearms, and carrying firearms in a public place without permit.