Robber stabs girl to death

JAKARTA (JP): A junior high school student was killed by an unidentified man when she was alone in her parents' house in Pasar Minggu, South Jakarta, Sunday afternoon.

The victim, identified as Endang Lestari, 16, was studying in preparation for her school exams when the man burst into the house and attacked her with a knife, according to her father, Supodo, 43.

"My daughter tried to run away, but the man grabbed her and slashed her neck," he said, adding that at the time of the incident he and his wife were tending his stall at Ragunan Zoo.

After leaving Endang unconscious, the robber took a television set and left the house.

Endang was rushed to Cilandak Hospital in South Jakarta, before eventually being moved to Harapan Bunda hospital in East Jakarta, Supodo said with tears running from his eyes.

She died at Harapan Bunda Hospital at 11:30 a.m. on Monday.

City Police spokesman Lt. Col. E. Aritonang said the police were still searching for the suspect, who is believed to be a nearby resident.

"We're still searching for the man. Hopefully we can catch him soon."

Supodo said some of his neighbors said they saw a man, whose nickname is Doel, leaving the house with the TV.

The body of Endang was sent to Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital in Central Jakarta for a postmortem. (edt/ivy)