8 Facts: Singaporean National Kills Girlfriend in Denpasar, Conceals Body for 5 Days
A Singaporean national initialled MZ (26) has been arrested by Denpasar police on suspicion of murdering his girlfriend, AS (26), at their rented house in Pedungan, Denpasar, Bali.
Police revealed the killing was triggered by the victim’s request to end the relationship. After the victim died, the suspect allegedly hid her body for five days until it decomposed.
The case came to light on Wednesday evening (15/7/2026) after the victim’s younger sister came to check on her, having been unable to reach her. Police then arrested MZ and named him a suspect.
As compiled by detikBali, here are the facts of the case:
- Victim Found Dead at the Rented House
AS was found dead after her younger sister, RA, visited the rented house because she could not contact her. Upon arrival, RA noticed a strong putrid smell and eventually discovered her sister’s body hidden under a pile of dolls and a carpet.
RA also caught sight of MZ at the house. When she asked about her sister’s whereabouts, RA struck the suspect with a helmet before MZ fled on a motorbike.
- The Suspect’s New Girlfriend Grew Suspicious of the Smell
Police revealed the putrid smell from the rented house had already aroused the suspicion of DP, the suspect’s new girlfriend.
“The witness was invited by the suspect to stay overnight at the crime scene, and at the time she smelled something unpleasant, but she didn’t ask what the smell was,” said the Head of Public Relations at Denpasar police, Iptu I Gede Adi Saputra Jaya.
A few days later, DP again asked MZ about the source of the smell. However, the suspect became angry instead.
“DP did ask the suspect about the smell the witness had noticed, but the suspect got angry and said ‘why are you asking’ while punching the wall,” said Adi.
- Motive for the Murder
The investigation revealed the murder allegedly took place after the victim asked to end the relationship.
“When the suspect could not accept being broken up with by the victim, that was when the victim was strangled by the suspect,” said Acting Deputy Chief of Denpasar police, AKBP I Ketut Widiarta.
The suspect allegedly strangled the victim for around 15 minutes until she died. Afterwards, the body was moved to another room and covered with dolls and a carpet.
- Autopsy Findings
The autopsy concluded the victim died as a result of blunt force trauma to the neck.
“It can be concluded that the cause of the victim’s death was blunt force trauma to the neck, consistent with strangulation carried out by the suspect,” said Widiarta.
In addition, doctors found bruises on the face, left lip, right forehead and left temple, bleeding in the neck muscles, and a fracture at the base of the left side of the tongue.
- Suspected Infidelity
According to RA, her sister’s relationship with the suspect was frequently marked by arguments over suspected infidelity.
“Perhaps the victim asked to break up with the suspect because he had been caught cheating several times, and the victim kept forgiving him,” said RA.
RA hopes the suspect will receive a punishment proportionate to his actions and expressed appreciation to the police for uncovering the case.
- Pile of Dolls and an Air Purifier
Police revealed MZ had switched on an air purifier to reduce the putrid smell from the victim’s body. Previously, the body had also been covered with a carpet and a pile of dolls.
“To get rid of the smell, according to the suspect’s confession, he tried using an air purifier. But the victim’s sister could still smell it,” said Widiarta.
Police also found MZ had been in Indonesia for around one year with an overstay status. Investigators are currently coordinating with the Singapore police to trace the suspect’s background.
- Neighbours Noticed Nothing
The victim’s neighbour, Yanik Prawira (39), said she had never been suspicious of the suspect. According to her, MZ was known to be friendly when they crossed paths.
“Of course I was shocked, obviously shocked, especially since he lived right next door. He was at number two and I’m at number three,” said Yanik.
She also said she had heard no commotion and noticed no putrid smell during the time the victim’s body was kept at the rented house.
- Potential Sentence
In this case, police seized a number of items of evidence, including dolls, a carpet, a mattress, clothes, towels and the suspect’s identity documents.
MZ has been charged under Article 468 paragraph (2) and/or Article 458 paragraph (1) of Law Number 1 of 2023 on the Criminal Code concerning aggravated assault resulting in death and/or murder. The suspect faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison.