Police detective dies in possible suicide

Police detective dies in possible suicide

JAKARTA (JP): A police detective died on the way to the
hospital after being found in West Jakarta Thursday with a single
gun-shot wound to his forehead.

The detective, Second Sgt. Elvis Sitorus, 24, of the Kali
Deres Police Subprecinct, was not on duty when the incident took
place.

It is unofficially suspected that Elvis committed suicide due
to a failed love affair.

Elvis, a resident of the Bandara Duta Permai housing estate in
Kosambi, West Jakarta, was the first Jakarta police officer to
have died this year. At least five officers died last year while
either on or off duty.

City Police spokesman Lt. Col. E. Aritonang confirmed Elvis'
death but strongly denied that police had concluded that it was a
suicide.

"Some information suggests that Elvis may have intentionally
shot himself. But we only have vague information which must be
clarified. We're still investigating the case."

Separately, West Jakarta Police chief Lt. Col. Timur Pradopo
hesitantly answered reporters' questions about Elvis' death.

"So far, our preliminary investigation has indicated that
Elvis died in an accident. But that's not final. We are still
investigating the case," Timur said.

Lukman, one of Elvis' relatives, said that Elvis' body was
sent to Medan, North Sumatra, for burial.

He said the police told the family that Elvis died in an
accident, while doctors at Cipto Hospital said Elvis had
committed suicide.

He said Elvis had gone out to visit some friends that night
and had taken his motorcycle.

"It's hard to believe. If it was an accident, why did he have
a bullet wound?" asked Lukman.

Forensic doctor Mun'im Idries, who examined Elvis' body at
Cipto Hospital, said that the bullet wound indicated the officer
had apparently committed suicide.

"It was from a shot at point-blank range and the gun was held
with his right hand," Mun'im said.

He said an examination of Elvis' right palm further proved his
conclusion.

He also revealed that the victim's blood contained alcohol,
but he declined to reveal the exact level.

"He was under the influence of alcohol. People who are
depressed and under an unbearable stress are easily provoked,"
said Mun'im.

Mun'im said that members of Elvis' family who came to the
hospital's morgue mentioned that Elvis' girlfriend may have
become involved with another man.

Witnesses told reporters that Elvis was last seen at the house
of his unidentified girlfriend on Jl. Peta Barat in Kalideres,
West Jakarta.

They said the couple had apparently been involved in an
argument. Nearby residents heard Elvis yell at his girlfriend,
"I'll stay far away from you".

They also said that a single gun shot was heard inside the
house a couple of minutes before another shot was heard on the
street in front of the house.

Soon after, residents found the dying officer on the street.
(cst/04)