A newborn baby whose incomplete body was discovered after being dragged by a dog in Sumedang, West Java, had nine stab wounds before the body was allegedly buried in an open area near the suspect’s home, police said.
The development emerged after police arrested the baby’s biological mother, a 19-year-old woman identified as ER, on August 31.
The baby boy’s body was discovered on the night of August 29 after a pet dog brought what residents initially believed was an animal carcass to Dusun Sukaluyu, Desa Ungkal, Conggeang.
Initial examination found that several parts of the baby’s body were missing, while injuries were also visible on the face. Police initially suspected the missing body parts and injuries were caused by dog bites.
However, the investigation later led authorities to ER, who was identified as the baby’s biological mother.
Police said ER admitted to giving birth after becoming pregnant out of wedlock and allegedly acted in panic following the birth.
A reconstruction of the incident was carried out on Tuesday, involving 32 scenes at locations linked to the case.
Sumedang Police Criminal Investigation Unit chief Tanwin said investigators found that the baby was still alive when he was born.
Forensic examinations subsequently found nine stab wounds on the infant’s body — five on the back and four on the front.
Police also confirmed that the missing body parts were not caused by the dog, as initially suspected, but were believed to have been severed using a sharp object.
Investigators believe the suspect then buried the baby’s body in an open area near her home. The remains were later dug up and dragged away by a local resident’s pet dog.
Police have also identified a man from Tasikmalaya who is believed to have had a relationship with ER. His statement is being recorded to assist the investigation.
Several items have been seized as evidence, including cloth, a blanket, a fabric bag and equipment believed to have been used to bury the baby’s body.
ER remains in custody while police continue searching the surrounding area for the baby’s missing body parts.
