Severed Friendship as Motive Behind Murder of Junior High Student in Cimahi

Cimahi Police Chief Sr. Comr. Niko N. Adi Putra revealed the motive behind the murder of SMPN 26 Bandung student identified by the initials ZAAQ (14), which occurred on the grounds of the former Kampung Gajah tourist attraction in West Bandung Regency. The incident was triggered by the suspect’s resentment after the victim ended their friendship.

Niko said suspect YA (16) admitted to harboring a grudge against the victim, who had declared an end to their friendship of approximately three years.

He explained that suspect YA followed the victim to Bandung with the intention of killing him. YA was accompanied by AP (17), who has also been apprehended.

The police chief said the victim and suspect were previously quite close, and their relationship was known to the victim’s family, as both had attended school in Garut before the victim moved to Bandung.

According to him, the victim’s decision to end the friendship is believed to have been the primary trigger for the violent act that ultimately led to the victim’s death.

Niko also said the Cimahi Police are still conducting intensive questioning of both suspects and a number of witnesses to complete the case file.

The police chief added that the legal process will be carried out in accordance with applicable regulations, taking into account that both suspects are still minors.