A 25-year-old woman is suspected of killing her husband following a heated argument over the victim’s alleged intention to remarry in Tigaraksa, Tangerang Regency, Indonesia.
The incident occurred at around 6pm last Thursday at their home in Kampung Pinang, Tangerang. The suspect, identified as EM, allegedly attacked her husband, known as J or Andi, 53, during a confrontation inside their residence.
According to Maruli Hutapea, Head of Public Relations for the Banten Police, the victim had earlier arrived at the house of his wife, who is believed to be his second spouse.
He reportedly took a shower upon arriving home and asked his mother-in-law, identified as SR, to prepare clothes for him to wear. However, the request was not fulfilled as both the suspect and her mother were performing prayers at the time.
Not long after, a dispute reportedly broke out between the couple inside a bedroom, allegedly centred on the victim’s desire to take another wife.
As the argument escalated, the victim was said to have shouted and smashed a wardrobe mirror, causing it to shatter.
Police said the suspect, who was allegedly in a state of panic, then retrieved a machete stored inside the wardrobe.
Maruli stated that the woman launched four attacks against the victim using the weapon.
“The first strike did not cause injury as the blade was still inside its sheath. However, the suspect continued swinging the machete and struck the victim several times,” he said.
The victim sustained severe injuries to the head, arms — which he reportedly used to defend himself — and legs.
He later collapsed due to the seriousness of his wounds and was pronounced dead at about 10pm local time.
Following the incident, the suspect surrendered herself at the Tangerang Police Headquarters at around 11am the next day and admitted to carrying out the attack.
Police subsequently conducted investigations at the scene and seized several items believed to be linked to the case as evidence.
The victim’s body has been sent to Balaraja Hospital for a post-mortem examination as investigations continue.
