Failed suicide results in murder charges

Life seemed so hard for Oentaryo Kurniawan, who has been suffering from a prolonged illness; death seemed the only way out. However, instead of committing suicide, the 56-year-old man ordered a young man to “do the deed”. The attempt on his life failed and the two have been charged with attempted murder.

Jakarta Police spokesman Sr. Comr. Rikwanto told reporters on Tuesday that Oentaryo asked Dedi, 19, to kill him to free him from pain. Dedi agreed to kill Oentaryo for Rp 1 million (US$105.35) and a cell phone.

Oentaryo and Dedi, both residents of Bekasi, executed their unusual plan in wasteland in Jatiasih, Bekasi, on Sept. 4. Dedi was prepared, with a knife, while Oentaryo was bound and his mouth covered with duct-tape. However, as Dedi was committing the terrible deed he suddenly panicked as the realization of actually stabbing someone to death dawned on him.

Dedi fled the scene, leaving Oentaryo dying with a bleeding wound in his neck. Oentaryo survived after several local residents spotted him and rushed him to a hospital nearby at around 8 p.m.

Rikwanto said that Dedi had been detained and Oentaryo was still being treated at Mitra Keluarga hospital in Bekasi.

“Both will be charged with attempted murder,” Rikwanto said. (aml/lfr)