JP/5/INTELLIGENCE

Intelligence officer bludgeoned to death

Yemris Fointuna The Jakarta Post/Kupang

A military intelligence officer from the Wirasakti Military Command died here on Wednesday night after being beaten by five youths.

East Nusa Tenggara Police chief Brig. Gen. Edward Aritonang said on Thursday the preliminary investigation indicated the dispute began over a minor understanding.

One of the five suspects in the murder, Kosmas Damianus, turned himself in to officers. Police are searching for the other four suspects.

Police sources say the incident began when a group of young people were planning a party in Pati Somba subdistrict, Sikka regency. Kosmas was given the job of buying alcohol for the party at a store owned by the father-in-law of the victim.

Kosmas reportedly became involved in a quarrel with the victim's mother-in-law over prices and threatened the woman.

When the victim, First Sgt. Olivio De Rosensoa, heard about the incident he rushed over to where the youths were holding their party on the outskirts of Kupang.

He immediately became involved in a physical confrontation with five youths, who allegedly beat the victim to death.