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🇸🇬 Singapore /Crime & Justice

Man in Indonesia allegedly laced chicken satay with rat poison, killing mother-in-law

From The Straits Times · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Outcome reported
  • A man in Indonesia's Central Java has been charged with murder after allegedly poisoning his mother-in-law with rat poison mixed into chicken satay.
  • The victim, 57-year-old Aminah, died on May 18 after consuming the poisoned food, which was delivered via courier service under the guise of being sent by her daughter.
  • The accused, Purwadi Wahyudi, reportedly confessed to the crime, stating he felt hurt by his mother-in-law's alleged isolation and neglect. He faces the death penalty or life imprisonment if convicted.

A man in Indonesia's Central Java region faces serious charges after allegedly lacing chicken satay with rat poison, leading to the death of his 57-year-old mother-in-law, Aminah. The incident occurred in May, and the accused, identified as 40-year-old Purwadi Wahyudi, has reportedly admitted to the act.

Authorities stated that Purwadi purchased a packet of chicken satay and intentionally mixed it with rat poison. He then arranged for the poisoned meal to be delivered to Aminah on May 18 through a courier service. To conceal his identity, Purwadi allegedly used his sister-in-law's name and photo on the courier account, pretending to be her. This deception initially raised suspicion with the courier driver, who expected the sender to be a woman.

When Aminah received the satay, she contacted her daughter, Luriyanti, who is Purwadi's wife, to inquire if she had sent the food. Luriyanti denied sending it and warned her mother not to consume the satay. The following day, Luriyanti discovered Aminah deceased and covered in vomit when she visited her mother's home.

Forensic results and an autopsy conducted by the Central Java Regional Police’s forensic laboratory found rat poison in the victim’s body. This was the cause of the victim’s death.

— Indra Maulana SaputraThe police chief of Boyolali regency confirmed the forensic findings that led to the cause of death.

Following Aminah's burial, her family reported the death to the police due to suspicions of foul play. An exhumation and autopsy were conducted, with forensic tests confirming the presence of rat poison in the victim's body as the cause of death. Investigators also tested vomit residue and a dead chicken suspected to have consumed the satay.

According to reports, Purwadi, who is unemployed, allegedly planned the killing because he felt hurt by his mother-in-law's alleged tendency to isolate and ignore him. The killing was described as carefully planned. If convicted, Purwadi could face the death penalty, life imprisonment, or a prison term of up to 20 years.

The killing was carefully planned.

— Indrawan Wira SaputraThe head of the Boyolali police’s criminal investigation unit commented on the premeditated nature of the crime.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Straits Times. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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