Australian consulat murdered in Depok home

Australian consulat murdered in Depok home

The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

An unidentified man attacked and killed Australian Frans Louis
Merre, 70, in his house in Tugu subdistrict, Depok, on Tuesday
morning, police said.

The victim reportedly suffered severe wounds to his neck,
hands and legs as he tried to fight off the attacker.

Depok Police chief Adj. Sr. Comr. Firman Shantyabudi said on
Tuesday the police were still trying to establish a motive for
the murder, but suspected the attacker knew Merre.

Firman said police did not believe robbery was behind the
murder because nothing seemed to be missing from Merre's house.

According to Firman, police had an eyewitness to the crime,
the adopted son of the victim.

He did not give the name or age of the witness, but said he
also suffered minor injuries when he came to the aid of Merre.

"I have information the victim tried to defend himself before
he was killed," said Firman, adding that police had found the
sickle thought to have been used by the attacker.

"We are now seeking information about the people who were
close to the victims," Firman told The Jakarta Post by phone.

The Australian Embassy in Jakarta confirmed the victim was an
Australian national, but could not provide any additional
information.

"We are still trying to find information about the man from
his family and the local authorities," said Australian Embassy
spokeswoman Elizabeth O 'Neill on Tuesday.

City police spokesman Sr. Comr. Tjiptono said Merre's body had
been taken to Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital in Central
Jakarta for an autopsy.

He said Merre worked as a consultant in Jakarta. He did not
provide any further details.