South Jakarta Child Murder : Father Murders Four Children in South Jakarta: Panca Darmansyah Identified as Prime Suspect

The tranquil neighborhood of Jagakarsa, South Jakarta, was left in shock and disbelief as a 41-year-old man, Panca Darmansyah, was identified as the main suspect in the heart-wrenching murder of his four young children. The victims, all aged between one and six years old, were tragically found lifeless in their rented home, after being methodically smothered by their own father. The horrifying act took approximately 15 minutes for each child, leaving the community devastated.

An Unimaginable Crime

Superintendent Bintoro, the Head of the Criminal Investigation Department at South Jakarta Police, has disclosed the chilling details surrounding the crime. Darmansyah suffocated each of his children one by one, carefully arranging the evidence thereafter. Adding to the disturbing scene, the children’s favorite toys were meticulously placed beside their lifeless bodies on their bed, intensifying the already harrowing tableau.

(Read Also: Bullying Prevention: A Classroom Lesson in South Jakarta)

The Unfolding Investigation

The motive behind Darmansyah’s brutal actions remains a perplexing mystery. In an effort to uncover the truth, the South Jakarta Metropolitan Police are employing advanced scientific crime investigation methods, collaborating with all relevant stakeholders, and planning to involve both psychiatrists and forensic experts. Currently, the bodies of the victims, known only by their initials VA, SP, AR, and AS, are held at the RS Polri hospital in Kramat Jati, East Jakarta. The police are coordinating with the hospital and the family to complete the necessary administrative processes for the release of the bodies, enabling the funeral arrangements to be made.

(Read Also: 64-Year-Old Tofu Seller Arrested for Operating Singapore Toto Scheme in Jakarta)

Psychological Evaluation and Legal Consequences

The Kramat Jati Police Hospital is currently conducting a 14-day psychiatric observation of Darmansyah. Although this examination differs from the treatment typically provided to individuals with mental illnesses, it plays a crucial role in determining the mental state of the accused. The results will be vital for the purpose of law enforcement. Darmansyah, who has admitted to the heinous killings, is now facing charges under Article 338 of the Criminal Code, which pertains to Murder, in conjunction with Article 340 of the Criminal Code, which relates to Premeditated Murder. Additionally, Law Number 35 of 2014, which addresses Amendments to Law Number 23 of 2002 concerning Child Protection, is being invoked. The abhorrent crime and its ensuing investigation have cast a dark shadow over the community, as they struggle to come to terms with the untimely demise of these innocent children.