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Mirna's killer knew how cyanide works, toxicologist says
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Murder suspect Jessica Kumala Wongso (left) smiles while her lawyer speaks during her trial at the Central Jakarta District Court on July 27. (Antara Foto/Yudhi Mahatma)
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toxicology expert from the National Police’s Criminal Investigation Department (Bareskrim), Sr. Comr. Nursamran Subandi, testified in court that the killer of Wayan Mirna Salihin was someone who knew exactly that cyanide would only work in low temperatures.
"The culprit was smart enough to know that cyanide will disappear in hot water. Therefore the perpetrator put cyanide into Vietnamese ice coffee," Nursamran told the judges, adding that the cyanide will not work in an acidic substance.
He explained that the original smell of cyanide is like almonds. However, if it mixes with another substance, it will have bad smell. “Cyanide is also a type of substance that is easily mixed with water, just like sugar in coffee,” he said.
After examining leftovers in the laboratory, Nursamran said he assumed the cyanide was put into the coffee at about 4:30 p.m. to 4:45 p.m.
Closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage shows Jessica entering the Olivier cafe a second time after previously reserving a table at 4:14 p.m. Meanwhile Mirna and Juwita Boon alias Hani came to the cafe at 5:16 p.m.
Mirna died on Jan. 6 after drinking iced coffee at Olivier café in Central Jakarta together with Jessica and Hani. (bbn)
