Man Arrested in Indonesia for Allegedly Poisoning Mother-in-Law Over “Disrespect”
Indonesian police say suspect allegedly used poisoned satay and a fake delivery identity in a premeditated attack that led to the death of his 57-year-old mother-in-law.
- Indonesian man accused of poisoning mother-in-law with rat-laced satay
- Police say attack was premeditated and involved fake delivery identity
- Suspect detained; murder charge could carry death penalty
A man in Indonesia has been arrested for allegedly murdering his mother-in-law by lacing satay with rat poison in a case police say was carefully premeditated and driven by personal resentment.
Authorities identified the suspect as 40-year-old Purwadi Wahyudi, who is accused of ordering chicken skewers on 18 May, contaminating them with toxic chemicals, and sending them to the victim’s home via courier because he allegedly felt disrespected by her.
Police say Purwadi also attempted to implicate his sister-in-law by disguising the delivery using her identity on a food delivery app. Investigators believe this was part of an effort to mislead authorities and divert suspicion.
The victim, identified only as 57-year-old Aminah, was found dead at her home in Central Java the following day. Her body was discovered by her youngest daughter, who reported that she had vomited before dying.
According to police, the family became suspicious after Aminah’s burial and later contacted authorities, questioning the circumstances surrounding her death. Her daughter said the victim had received a delivery of chicken satay from an unknown sender shortly before her death and had been warned not to eat it.
A neighbour also reported seeing dead chickens near the woman’s poultry coop, raising further suspicion.
Forensic tests conducted after the body was exhumed reportedly revealed traces of poison in several major organs, confirming chemical contamination.
Police said evidence suggests the killing was planned, including the use of a delivery app account allegedly impersonating the victim’s daughter. Investigators noted inconsistencies in the packaging of the food and irregularities reported by the delivery driver.
Purwadi has been detained as a suspect but has not yet been formally charged with murder. Under Indonesian law, murder can carry the death penalty or a minimum sentence of 20 years in prison.
Authorities say investigations are ongoing.
