Murder suspect 'fully' sane

JAKARTA (JP): A psychological test completed Monday on the suspect in a triple murder investigation in Jagakarsa showed that he was fully sane, according to the police.

City Police spokesman Lt. Col. E. Aritonang said Tuesday that the Jamaluddin, a 22-year-old student, was examined by a police psychological team.

"The test result shows that Jamaluddin is completely normal. He is able to think clearly and logically. He also said that he was very much conscious when he committed the murder," Aritonang said.

Therefore, Jamaluddin could be charged with the maximum penalty of death under Articles 340 and 365 of the Criminal Code on murder, he added.

Jamaluddin is the sole suspect in the brutal killing of a couple and their two-year-old son in Jagakarsa, South Jakarta, early last week.

He allegedly admitted to planning the killing two months in advance.

Psychological tests are needed to determine the mental capacity of alleged criminals, especially those facing long prison terms or death, Aritonang said.

"The test is also held for suspects who commit crimes in unique circumstances, such as in a case when a man beat up a police officer only because he heard the policeman blow a whistle," he said. (edt)