The Jakarta Globe, November 06, 2012
Denpasar. A husband and wife were sentenced to death on Tuesday for murdering their employers, including the family's 9-year-old girl, by the Denpasar District Court.
Heru Hendriyanto, 25, and his wife Putu Anita Sukra Dewi, 23, worked as a driver and maid for a family of three in the Kampial Residence housing complex in South Kuta, Badung district, Bali.
Heru was upset with his employers over the poor treatment of his wife and child, he told the court.
The two murdered the entire family, including Made Purnabawa, 28, Ni Luh Ayu Sri Mahayoni, 27, and 9-year-old daughter Ni Wayan Risna Ayu Dewi, and dumped their bodies in a wooded area near Yehembang village in Jembrana, Bali on Feb. 16, 2012.
The slain family was found four days later.
“The defendants committed a very vile, inhuman crime.” chief judge I Gusti Agung Bagus Komang Wijaya Adhi said as he read out the verdict. “They have a child, yet they had the heart to kill the child of the victims.”
The defendants then raided the family’s home, stealing their car, motorcycle, jewelry and an undisclosed amount of money.
Three others, Abdul Kodir, 36, Safa’at, 32, and Sugino, 21, are all standing trial for allegedly aiding in the murders. Abdul and Safa’at face the death penalty. Sugino faces 13 years in prison.
“The defendants had been given a place to live and salaries. They had been fed and the victims saw them like they were their next of kin,” Adhi said. “But the defendants had the heart to kill the family.”
The couple’s lawyer planned to file an appeal with the court.
“That is a very heavy punishment,” Edy Hartaka said. “The judges didn’t give [my] clients a chance to improve themselves. Not to mention the death penalty is under dispute and there have been pushes to abolish it.”
A relative of the victims said she was satisfied with the verdict.
“That is equal,” Ni Luh Risa said. “Life in exchange for life. I hope the judges will reject their appeal.”
di 6 nov 2012 - 19:19