Elderly woman slashed to death

TANGERANG (JP): A 70-year-old woman was found dead on Thursday in the early morning hours at the back of her house in Selon hamlet of Kaliasin village, Balaraja district, an officer said.

Balaraja Police chief Capt. Santoso said the brutal killing of the victim, Awiah, was still under investigation.

"We're still looking for the ex-son-in-law of the victim, who ran away shortly after neighbors rushed to the scene to help the woman," the officer said.

A relative of the victim, Amin, suspected the killer was Jumanta, alias Ajum, 40, who recently divorced Awiah's daughter, Acih, 35.

Amin said Awiah was about to bath for Subuh (predawn prayer) when she was suddenly slashed on her shoulder with a klewang, (a traditional curved blade).

Awiah reportedly died instantly in the attack, right before her daughter, Acih, left the bathroom and stood face-to-face with the culprit.

The man attacked Acih and they were involved in a struggle when Acih got a grip of his hands and shouted for help.

Hearing Acih's cry, residents ran to the house. The culprit managed to flee before residents arrived.

Acih said her former husband had been threatening her since last week and asked her to return the wedding ring.

"I have no idea why... he asked for a divorce, so we did that. I've also returned the ring to him. So why did he still kill my mother?" Acih said.

Awiah's body was sent to Tangerang General hospital for a post mortem examination. (41/edt)