The two boys heard the news of their father's murder on the Internet, then later discovered their mother had been arrested by the police for allegedly masterminding the killing.

The brothers, who are studying in Perth, Australia, arrived in Bali on Thursday to see their mother and to attend the funeral service for their father at Kertha Semadi funeral home in Denpasar.

On Monday, John finally met his mother in police custody. His brother, Peter, was not seen at the meeting.

Bali Police spokesperson Sr. Comr. Hery Wiyanto said that mother and son were crying when they met. "The mother said she was deeply regretful that her sons now have to live without a parent," Hery said.

John refused to comment on his feelings after seeing his mother. However, he later issued a family statement to journalists.

"We, as a family, are still coming to terms with an immense and tragic lost," the letter stated.

"There has been much reported in the media, much of what has been reported is based in rumor, misinformation and factual inaccuracies. It is important that we, the family, set the record straight," it read.

"Bob [Robert Ellis] was a loving and devoted father, grandfather, brother, son, and husband. His loss leaves a hole in the lives of everyone he touched," it continued.

"His work in business created jobs for thousands of Indonesians. He was a good and honorable man. His integrity, generosity and spirit is evidenced by the way the business community, both expat and Indonesian, have rallied to support us and pay their respects," the statement said.

"As a family we are unified and will be relentless in seeking answers and justice for what has occurred in this tragedy. We are thankful and grateful for all the support and assistance we have received and are now focused on sending our Dad off with dignity and respect."

Bali Police chief Insp. Gen. Benny Mokalu said that police would charge the suspects with article 340 of the Criminal Code for premeditated murder, which carries the death penalty or life in prison. "This [the murder] was planned, " Benny said.

As of Monday, police had arrested four suspects and were still pursuing four others. Besides Noor, the police arrested two housemaids, Feli and Yuliana, as well as Andrianus Ngongo, Feli's boyfriend who is believed to be one of the executioners. Four others, also suspected of participating in the killing, have been declared fugitives. "We urge the four other suspects to surrender soon," Benny said.

The police have accused Noor of ordering the murder and paying Rp 150 million (US$12,460) for the killing.

However, through her lawyer, Noor has denied ordering the murder, saying she only asked the men to solve her problem by warning her husband.

Benny said it was the suspect's right to defend herself.

Ellis' body was found by a farmer in a ditch in the rice field area of Sedang village, Abiansemal sub-district. The body had allegedly been dumped in the ditch on Monday morning (Oct. 20). The farmer reported seeing the plastic there on Monday, but he did not realize it was a human corpse until he took a closer look on Tuesday (Oct. 21).

The 60-year-old victim held dual nationality, British and Australian, and had lived in Australia before moving to Indonesia to build his business.

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