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)