Makassar Schoolchild Murderer Arrested Near Crime Scene

The perpetrator of the elementary school student murder in Makassar, South Sulawesi, was arrested in a vacant house not far from the crime scene where the victim’s body was found. Makassar Police Chief Kombes Arya Perdana stated the suspect was apprehended on Wednesday (27 May).

‘While processing the crime scene, there was commotion and it turned out to be the perpetrator,’ Arya told reporters on Wednesday.

According to Arya, the suspect chased a resident using a machete to divert police attention. He works as a labourer at the Potere fish auction market.

‘The suspect was arrested near the crime scene, at his aunt’s house, where he was living,’ he explained.

Based on the suspect’s statement, Arya said the victim had been targeted for a long time, with the suspect allegedly stalking the child for an extended period.

The 12-year-old elementary school student was found dead in a room of a vacant house in Makassar. Police reported the victim was found unclothed with slash wounds on the hands.

Arya confirmed the suspect, identified as IK, 19, allegedly assaulted the victim until unconscious and then raped them while incapacitated.

‘I have reported a premeditated murder preceded by rape of a 12-year-old child,’ Arya stated.