Facts from the Brigadier Esco Murder Verdict Trial: Motive to Rizka's Sentence
The verdict trial for the murder of Brigadier Esco Faska Rely revealed a number of facts that the panel of judges considered in sentencing Brigadier Rizka Sintiyani. In addition to sentencing Rizka to 10 years in prison, the judge also detailed the motive for the murder, reasons for a lighter sentence, and the roles of four other defendants in the case.
Here are the facts revealed during the verdict hearing at the Mataram District Court on Friday (19/6/2026).
- Rizka Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison
The panel of judges, chaired by I Putu Suyoga, declared Rizka guilty of committing physical violence within the household that resulted in the death of her husband, Brigadier Esco.
“Sentencing the defendant to 10 years in prison,” the panel of judges ruled.
The judge stated that Rizka was proven to have violated Article 44 paragraph (3) of Law Number 23 of 2004 concerning the Elimination of Domestic Violence, in conjunction with Article 38 of the appendix to Law Number 1 of 2026 concerning Criminal Adjustments.
The sentence was four years lighter than the prosecutor’s demand, which had requested a 14-year prison term.
- Economic Motives and an Unharmonious Household
In its considerations, the panel of judges revealed that the primary motive for the murder was economic.
“The motive for the defendant to commit the crime was economic,” said Chief Judge I Putu Suyoga.
Based on trial facts, Brigadier Esco reportedly had debts of tens of millions of rupiah that were due a few days before he was found dead. Rizka was also said to have complained about the victim’s remuneration not yet being transferred.
Additionally, the judge found motives of revenge and marital disharmony.
“The subsequent motives were revenge and marital disharmony,” he stated.
The judge also assessed that Rizka killed her husband to avoid debt problems while also seizing the victim’s assets.
“This was proven by the defendant’s behaviour after the incident, which focused more on money and assets than on searching for her missing husband,” the judge added.
- Two Children Reason for Lighter Sentence
One of the mitigating factors in Rizka’s sentence was the existence of her two children, aged 6 and 3.
“The defendant is a mother with young children. The defendant has family dependents. The defendant has never been convicted before,” the judge said.
According to the judge, the best interests of the child must be a consideration in the criminal justice process.
“What is paramount is the best interest of the child. This must be a primary consideration in every policy, including in the criminal justice process,” Judge Suyoga stated.
The judge also considered that a lengthy sentence could negatively impact the psychological condition of the two children due to the prolonged absence of a mother figure.
- Four Other Defendants Sentenced to 8 Months and 7 Days
In addition to Rizka, four other defendants—Siaun, Nuraini, Paozi, and Dani Rifkan—also received their verdicts on the same day.
“Sentencing the defendants to imprisonment for eight months and seven days each,” the judge declared.
The panel of judges found the four defendants guilty of participating in concealing Brigadier Esco’s body.
“Declaring the defendants legally and convincingly proven to have committed the criminal act of jointly concealing, carrying away, eliminating a corpse, or concealing a death, as charged in the third alternative indictment,” the judge stated.
Meanwhile, the public prosecutor immediately declared an appeal, as the sentence was lighter than the nine-month prison term previously demanded.
“We appeal, Your Honour,” responded public prosecutor Ni Made Saptini.