The accused, R Murugan, 20, R Arunasalam, 27, and R Magendran, 28, nodded in understanding after the charges were read out in Tamil before magistrate Mazana Sinin.

However, no plea was recorded from them as murder cases fall under the jurisdiction of the High Court.

All three accused are alleged to have murdered Richard Edward near a playground along Jalan Anum 3, Taman Muhibbah, Merlimau, in Jasin, between 8pm and 8.30pm on May 13.

They were charged under Section 302 of the Penal Code, which provides for the death penalty, or imprisonment of between 30 and 40 years, and no fewer than 12 strokes of the cane, upon conviction.

Deputy public prosecutor Syazwani Yusri conducted the prosecution while lawyer L Sherveen represented the accused.

The court set July 27 for the next case mention pending the submission of the chemistry and pathology reports.

Earlier, the media reported that a 30-year-old man died after being stabbed during a dispute over “mushroom-flavoured” vape liquid at a playground in Merlimau.