Initial Investigation into Motive as Teenage Sister Beats Brother to Death with Hammer in North Jakarta

A teenager identified as MAH (16) in Kelapa Gading, North Jakarta, is now facing police investigation following the fatal assault of her brother, MAR (21), whom she struck on the head with a hammer until he died. Police are currently investigating the true motive behind the perpetrator’s heinous act.

“We are still conducting an investigation and examining the actual motive of the perpetrator that led to such a heinous act against her biological brother identified as MAR (22),” said Head of Public Protection and Women’s Division (PPA) at North Jakarta Metro Police Detective Unit (Satreskrim), Commissioner Ni Luh Sri Arsini, according to Antara news agency, Wednesday (25/2/2026).

The incident occurred in the Kelapa Gading area, North Jakarta, on Tuesday afternoon (24/2). Police are conducting an autopsy to determine the exact cause of the victim’s death.

“The victim is still undergoing autopsy; the results have not yet been released,” she added.

Preliminary Investigation into Murder Motive

Commissioner Sri revealed preliminary findings regarding the motive for the killing. Before the bloody incident occurred, MAH is said to have been harbouring resentment in her heart.

According to police’s preliminary assessment, the incident stems from family problems. MAH is believed to have felt envious towards the victim because he frequently received their parents’ attention.

“His mother runs a business outside and his father lives separately from them,” she stated.