Man in Amfoang, NTT Beats and Hangs Aunt to Death Following Emotional Outburst

A 48-year-old man named Dominggus Tamelab deliberately beat his aunt, Selfasina Tamelab (65), until she lost consciousness before hanging her from a cashew tree, resulting in her death. The incident occurred on Thursday, 28 May 2026, around 12:00 PM WITA in Dusun II, Timau Village, Amfoang Barat Laut Subdistrict, Kupang Regency, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT).

“The suspect, in a fit of rage, struck the victim with a wooden stick until she fainted. He then dragged her to the back of the house and hanged her from a cashew tree,” said Inspector Lalu Randy Hidayat, Head of Public Relations for Kupang Police Resort.

Randy explained that the incident began when Dominggus was drying rice in his yard. After returning inside to collect more rice for drying, Selfasina made a demand in a harsh tone, which provoked Dominggus’ anger.

Dominggus then approached his aunt in her room and struck her with the stick. He subsequently dragged her body to the back of the kitchen and beat her again across her body.

Upon seeing Selfasina unconscious, Dominggus carried her under the cashew tree. He then retrieved a rope, tied it around her neck, and hanged her from the tree.

“While tying the rope around the victim’s neck, the suspect realised she was still alive,” Randy added.

According to Randy, after confirming his aunt’s death, Dominggus informed his wife, Aplonia Fomeni (54), that the victim had been found hanging behind the kitchen.

His wife then instructed him to report the incident to Timau Village Head, Sony Tanesib. The case was subsequently reported to Amfoang Utara Police Station.

Following the report, police immediately proceeded to the scene to conduct a crime scene investigation. The Kupang Police Resort forensic team also arrived to carry out identification procedures.

“The suspect was apprehended on the spot after confessing to the crime,” Randy stated.