By CINDY TAN and ALLISON LAI

ALOR GAJAH - It was a tragic and violent end for a couple caught in a love triangle when the 41-year-old husband brutally murdered his wife before hanging himself at their home in Taman Seri Redan, Masjid Tanah, here.

A. Ilangathil, a lorry driver, is believed to have slit the throat of his wife, N. Jayaletchumi, 38, and stabbed her while she was asleep in their bedroom before taking his own life.

Two of the couple's four children were at home during the incident believed to have happened between 10pm on Monday and 6.30am yesterday.

Police recovered a two-page note written by the husband accusing his wife of infidelity and requesting relatives take care of their children.

According to a close family member, the couple's 15-year-old son, Logenthiran noticed Ilangathil tying a rope near the dining hall's air well area next to the living room.

However, he was told by his father to mind his own business and go to bed when he asked about the rope.

At the time of the incident, only Logenthiran and 11-year-old Sheshashini were at home as their 16-year-old sister was away in Seremban. Their 13-year-old bro-ther, Thanesh was staying with an uncle in Kampung Jeram, about 5km away.

Sheshashini made the gruesome discovery when she woke up at 7am. She and her distraught brother immediately sought help from neighbours who informed their relatives.

When met at the scene, Thanesh said he was shocked over the loss of his parents as they did not argue much and their relationship seemed normal.

It was learnt that the couple, who were from Seremban, settled down in Malacca about four years ago, and that Ilangathil lost his job about a month ago.

State CID chief Asst Comm Mohd Adnan Abdullah said the case has been classified as murder-cum-suicide.

Police recovered two knives and a rope from the scene. Both bodies were sent to the Malacca Hospital for post-mortem. Based on initial investigations, ACP Mohd Adnan said jealousy was the motive.

malacca@thestar.com.my