Documented insanity delays murder trial

Documented insanity delays murder trial

JAKARTA (JP): The Los Angeles triple murder case trial was
delayed yesterday after proof that the defendant had twice been
hospitalized for 'mental disorder' was read in court.

Prosecutor J. Kamaru told the court, presided over by judge
IGK Sukarata, that the "latest development", forced him to delay
reading the sentence demand for Harnoko Dewantono, known as Oki.

"I want two weeks to prepare a new sentence demand," Kamaru
said, before the panel of judges agreed to adjourn the trial
until March 25.

The 15-minute session started with the court allowing the
defense lawyer to read a health certificate signed by Dr. Wartono
Priyosembodo of Ongko Mulyo private hospital on Jl. Pulomas Barat
6, East Jakarta.

"Oki Harnoko, 33, was treated at Ongko Mulyo hospital from
Jan. 21, 1994 to Feb. 2, 1994 and from May 11 1994 to May 18 1994
for a 'mental disorder'," lawyer Nurhasim Ilyas read.

Nurhasim asked the court to accept the letter as a new
material evidence and asked the doctor to explain "mental
disorder".

Judge Sukarata rejected his requests saying the lawyers had
had enough time to summon witnesses.

"The questioning of witnesses and defendants is over. It's
time for the prosecutor to read the sentence demand."

Oki is accused of murdering his Indian national business
partner Suresh G. Mirchandani on Aug. 19, 1991; his Indonesian
woman business partner Gina Sutan Aswar on Nov. 2, 1992 and his
younger brother Ery Tri Harto Darmawan about two weeks later.

He has admitted to killing his brother and the woman, but
maintains his brother killed the Indian man. (sur/13)