A man in Indonesia has been arrested for allegedly killing his mother-in-law using satay laced with rat poison, according to police reports; the victim, identified as Aminah, was found dead the day after receiving the food package, which was later determined to contain toxic chemicals.

Method of the Crime

The suspect, Purwadi Wahyudi, allegedly ordered chicken skewers on May 18 and then dipped them in rat poison before sending them to Aminah’s house; he reportedly attempted to frame his sister-in-law, Luriyanti Putri, by instructing the courier to deliver the satay as if it had come from her. Purwadi also used her name and photo when ordering the food online, according to Indonesian media outlet Kompas.

When Aminah received the satay, she contacted Luriyanti, who denied sending it and warned her not to eat it. Luriyanti later found Aminah dead the next day, covered in vomit. Dead chickens were also found near Aminah’s house, suspected to have consumed the poisoned food.

Forensic Findings and Legal Implications

Aminah’s body was exhumed on May 30 for an autopsy. Forensic tests conducted by the Central Java Regional Police’s forensic laboratory found rat poison in the victim’s body, confirming the poisoning as the cause of death. Samples tested included vomit residue from Aminah’s clothes, the chicken skewers, and the carcass of a dead chicken.

Police stated that Purwadi, who is unemployed, allegedly planned the killing because he felt disrespected and ignored by Aminah. In Indonesia, murder carries a potential death penalty or at least 20 years in prison. Purwadi has been made a suspect and is currently detained, but has not yet been formally charged.

Background and Suspicion

The delivery driver had raised suspicion when he expected a woman to be the sender but received a delivery from Purwadi instead. When questioned, he claimed to be the victim’s son. Plus, the food seller reported that the satay had different packaging by the time it was delivered to Aminah, raising more questions about the delivery process.

Aminah’s family filed a police report after her burial, as they had long suspected something was wrong. The police investigation led to Purwadi’s arrest and the eventual confirmation of the poisoning through forensic analysis.