Secret Husband's Plot in Depok: Corpse Covered with Coffee to Mask Odour

Police have discovered coffee powder scattered around the skeletal remains of a 56-year-old woman with the initials DH found in Meruyung, Limo, Depok, West Java. The coffee was deliberately sprinkled by the perpetrator to conceal the pungent odour that resulted from the decomposition of the victim’s body.

“The coffee found at the crime scene was indeed scattered by the Suspect to deceive or to mask the odour caused by the decomposition of the corpse,” said Metro Jaya Police Headquarters Criminal Investigation Director Brigadier General Iman Imannudin to journalists on Wednesday (11 March 2026).

The perpetrator has been identified as Ahmad Ronny Hasiholan (44), the victim’s secret husband. He was arrested by the Special Mobile Unit of the Criminal Investigation Directorate of Metro Jaya Police on Sunday (8 March) on Jalan Cipete Raya Jatimulya, Tambun Selatan, Bekasi District.

Imannudin stated that the perpetrator obtained the idea to sprinkle coffee whilst socialising at a fish auction market. According to him, the aroma of coffee would mask the putrid smell of the victim’s corpse.

“This knowledge was obtained by the Suspect whilst associating with his acquaintances at the fish auction or sale location,” he said.

The case came to light after the victim’s family reported the discovery of the body to police on Saturday (7 March). At that time, the victim’s child and their partner were cleaning the house.

Police have revealed the motive behind Ahmad Ronny’s murder of his secret wife, whose remains were found as only bones. The couple’s marriage took place in December 2024. The suspect claimed he killed the victim out of heartbreak.

“The Suspect, who was known to be unemployed, felt heartbroken after being evicted from the house by the victim and subsequently committed murder,” said Metro Jaya Police Headquarters Public Relations Chief Brigadier General Budi Hermanto to journalists on Monday (9 March).

Police revealed that the perpetrator’s motive for killing the victim was rooted in economic problems. “The preliminary motive is suspected to be driven by economic issues,” he added.