A man in Bali, Indonesia, shockingly killed his paralyzed wife after years of caring for her, before surrendering himself to the police out of guilt.
The suspect, identified as 48-year-old Sunardi, allegedly murdered his wife, 50-year-old Evi Dwi Yulianawati, at a rented house in West Denpasar on September 16.
According to Denpasar Police Communications Chief, Commissioner I Ketut Sukadi, initial investigations revealed that the suspect suffocated his wife with a pillow while she was resting in bed.
“The suspect admitted that he was exhausted and emotionally drained after years of caring for his bedridden wife who had suffered a stroke, and decided to end her life,” Sukadi said in a statement on Monday.
It was reported that Sunardi initially intended to take his own life as he could no longer cope with the stress of caring for his ailing wife. However, he changed his mind, fearing that no one would look after her if he died first.
“The suspect then decided to kill his wife before attempting to take his own life,” Sukadi explained.
After confirming that his wife had died, Sunardi drank floor cleaner and slashed his left wrist with a knife in an attempt to end his life.
However, his suicide attempt failed, and he later surrendered himself at the West Denpasar Police Station.
“The main motive behind this act was physical exhaustion and emotional stress from caring for his long-term ill wife,” Sukadi added.
Sunardi is currently in custody and is being investigated under Section 44(3) of Indonesia’s 2004 Domestic Violence Act or Section 338 of the Indonesian Criminal Code (KUHP), which carries a maximum prison sentence of seven years if convicted.
