Elderly Mother and Daughter Found Decomposing in Deliserdang House

The decomposing bodies of a 70-year-old woman named Ai Kiat and her daughter Linawati, 38, were found inside their home in Muliorejo Village, Sunggal Subdistrict, Deliserdang Regency, North Sumatra.

Medan Sunggal Police Station’s Reskrim Unit Chief, Iptu Herman Sentosa, stated that police received a report from residents about the bodies on Saturday, 23 May at around 11:00 WIB.

‘After receiving the report, we immediately went to the scene and found two female victims who were mother and daughter. The daughter was found lying in the living room, while the mother was discovered on the second floor,’ Herman told CNNIndonesia.com on Tuesday, 26 May.

According to Herman, initial examinations by the forensics team found no signs of violence on the victims’ bodies. Preliminary suspicions indicate they died from illness.

‘There are no signs of criminal activity. Initial information we received states that the mother was paralysed, while the daughter was frequently unwell,’ he said.

However, he added that police have yet to confirm the exact cause of death and are awaiting further medical examinations.

‘The preliminary assumption is death due to illness. The precise time and detailed cause of death will be determined through medical checks,’ he explained.

Herman noted that the bodies were in a decomposed state but remained intact when found. They are planned to be taken to Medan Bhayangkara Hospital for autopsy if necessary.

However, as of now, the families have not claimed the bodies. Police are still trying to locate close relatives.

‘No one has acknowledged the bodies as their family. To date, no immediate family members have come forward to collect the remains. We have searched for relatives, but they claim to be distant cousins,’ he said.

According to Herman, based on neighbours’ statements, Ai Kiat and Linawati lived alone in the house and were known to be reclusive.

‘Neighbours said they rarely interacted with the community,’ Herman said.

Residents became suspicious after noticing a foul odour emanating from the house over recent days. The village head checked the house by climbing the stairs and peering through the window.

‘From there, a body was visible in the living room. The village head then contacted the police, and together with residents and village officials, the door was forcibly opened,’ he said.

Additionally, police received initial information suggesting the victims may have faced economic hardships, including debt issues, which are still being investigated.

‘We are continuing our investigation,’ Herman concluded.