Stepmother charged in death of abused 13-year-old girl in Sukabumi

Sukabumi Police’s Criminal Investigation Unit has designated the stepmother DR as a suspect in the death of 13-year-old NS, who is believed to have died as a result of physical and psychological abuse. Sukabumi Police Chief AKBP Samian confirmed the development to journalists on Wednesday, 25 February 2026.

According to the police chief, the abuse inflicted by the suspect on the victim had been ongoing since 2023. On 4 November 2024, the suspect was reported to police by her husband for abusing the child. However, the police chief stated that the report was not pursued further as both parties decided to reconcile. The police will now reinvestigate that report.

“The abuse involved physical violence such as pinching, slapping, scratching and similar acts,” said the police chief.

Authorities indicated they are still investigating the possibility of additional suspects. Police are currently focused on determining which legal provisions apply to the stepmother. They are also awaiting results from forensic pathology and toxicology examinations, including autopsy findings.

The suspect has been charged under Article 80 in conjunction with Article 76C of Indonesia’s Law Number 35 of 2014, read together with Law Number 23 of 2002 on Child Protection.

The Criminal Investigation Unit commander reported that various injuries were found across the victim’s body, from the face to the feet. Additionally, second-degree burn wounds were discovered on parts of the body, and dark red-purple bruising indicated blunt force trauma.

“The forensic examination revealed abrasions on several parts of the face, neck and limbs,” the commander stated.