Jail time sought in 'sandal' slaying

JAKARTA (JP): A prosecutor is seeking five years in jail for a market trader who allegedly caused fatal injuries to a hoodlum and injured the latter's friend in a row over a pair of missing sandals.

Prosecutor Fahrur Rozy told the Central Jakarta District Court that Arismon, alias Simon, 32, fatally struck Evo Jaya with a wooden plank on July 1 at Palmerah market on Jl. Palmerah Barat after they argued about the sandals missing from Simon's kiosk.

Suhendi, who rushed to help Evo, was also beaten in the head by Simon, the prosecutor said.

"Evo died after being treated for almost two weeks at the Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital," Rozy said.

According to the prosecutor, Simon was first told about the theft of a pair of sandals from his kiosk by his friend, Abun.

He examined his stock and confirmed that a pair was missing.

Simon then saw another friend, John, headed to his kiosk after apprehending Evo, Rozy said.

After a brief argument, Simon clobbered Evo with the plank.

Hospital autopsy results found Evo died from severe head injuries, the prosecutor said.

Rozy charged the defendant under Article 351 of the Criminal Code, which carries a maximum punishment of seven years in jail.

Presiding judge Pangeran Siregar adjourned the trial until next week to hear the defendant's plea. (jun)