Brothers questioned for killing nephew

Brothers questioned for killing nephew

TANGERANG (JP): Police continued their questioning on Tuesday of two brothers for allegedly killing their five-year-old nephew in Jatiuwung.

The two suspects, identified as Lulut Hartopo, 29, and his younger brother Lego Junardo, 24, were believed to have choked their nephew Kondang to death in an attempt to discharge the devil, which was believed to have entered Kondang's body.

Chief of Tangerang Police detective Capt. Krisnandi said if the two suspects were considered to suffer from a mental illness, they would be examined by psychiatrists.

The two told the police that since the death of their father four days ago, their house had become so "hot" they felt stressed.

The two, however, accused Kondang as the culprit, saying he had been occupied by the devil.

The two did not allow Kondang to leave the house and became angry when their nephew was permitted by his father to buy milk at a nearby stall, Krisnandi said.

Kondang's father, Mulyono, gave the child money to buy the milk as the boy told him he was thirsty, Krisnandi said.

The two brothers then chased the small boy and held him captive inside a room in the house, despite his unceasing cry for help, he said.

Krisnandi said Kondang suffered wounds to the neck and died as a result of his injuries, despite his uncles finally relenting and allegedly attempting to help the boy. (emf/41)