Stepmother Denies Causing Tragic Death of Sukabumi Boy
NS, a 13-year-old boy from Jampangkulon, Sukabumi, has died allegedly after suffering various forms of violence at the hands of his stepmother, TR. The news went viral on social media.
TR, who is now a reported suspect, has denied the accusations circulating on social media, particularly after NS reportedly named her as the person who forced him to drink boiling water before his death.
"The accusations from netizens as reported in the news are all untrue. I am not that cruel," TR said on Sunday (22 February).
TR claimed that the blistering wounds across the deceased's body were not caused by trauma from hot water as alleged, but rather by the victim's health condition.
"The child died from blood cancer, leukaemia, and an autoimmune condition. The blistering skin was caused by internal heat," TR said.
TR acknowledged that since the news about a child dying from abuse by a stepmother — referring to NS — went viral on social media, she has faced widespread condemnation from internet users. TR said she is currently still undergoing police examination.
"I don't know where to go home to, because my mental health has been affected. As a result of this news, both I and my parents have become victims. I feel sorry for my father who is ill and has no one to care for him," TR said.
Meanwhile, Sukabumi Police Chief AKBP Samian said they are handling the case with extreme care. He noted the case is based not only on verbal testimony but also on legally valid medical evidence.
"A total of 16 witnesses have so far been interviewed in depth. These witnesses include family members, witnesses who observed the conditions at the scene, and expert witnesses from medical professionals or doctors who treated the victim," Samian said.
"We do not wish to speculate. Every piece of witness testimony received will be meticulously cross-checked against the post-mortem and autopsy results to determine whether the injuries are consistent with the alleged criminal act that has been reported," he added.
Sukabumi Police Criminal Investigation Unit Head AKP Hartono said the external examination during the post-mortem of victim NS revealed abrasions in several areas including the face, neck, and limbs.
"In addition, second-degree 2A burns were found at several points on the body, along with reddish-purple bruising indicating blunt force trauma," Hartono explained.
On Thursday (19 February), the 13-year-old boy with the initials NS from Bojongsari Village, Jampangkulon District, Sukabumi Regency, was reported to have died in tragic circumstances.
He died with numerous bruises and burn wounds on his body. The autopsy conducted by the forensic team revealed burn injuries across nearly the entire body of the victim.
The victim's final condition went viral on social media, showing his biological father accompanying and encouraging the victim who was already in a weakened state. The viral video also reportedly showed the victim pointing to his stepmother as the perpetrator, which provoked the biological father's anger towards TR.
Several rumours circulated from the video suggesting the victim had been subjected to abuse, including reports that he had been forced to drink hot water.
TR, who is now a reported suspect, has denied the accusations circulating on social media, particularly after NS reportedly named her as the person who forced him to drink boiling water before his death.
"The accusations from netizens as reported in the news are all untrue. I am not that cruel," TR said on Sunday (22 February).
TR claimed that the blistering wounds across the deceased's body were not caused by trauma from hot water as alleged, but rather by the victim's health condition.
"The child died from blood cancer, leukaemia, and an autoimmune condition. The blistering skin was caused by internal heat," TR said.
TR acknowledged that since the news about a child dying from abuse by a stepmother — referring to NS — went viral on social media, she has faced widespread condemnation from internet users. TR said she is currently still undergoing police examination.
"I don't know where to go home to, because my mental health has been affected. As a result of this news, both I and my parents have become victims. I feel sorry for my father who is ill and has no one to care for him," TR said.
Meanwhile, Sukabumi Police Chief AKBP Samian said they are handling the case with extreme care. He noted the case is based not only on verbal testimony but also on legally valid medical evidence.
"A total of 16 witnesses have so far been interviewed in depth. These witnesses include family members, witnesses who observed the conditions at the scene, and expert witnesses from medical professionals or doctors who treated the victim," Samian said.
"We do not wish to speculate. Every piece of witness testimony received will be meticulously cross-checked against the post-mortem and autopsy results to determine whether the injuries are consistent with the alleged criminal act that has been reported," he added.
Sukabumi Police Criminal Investigation Unit Head AKP Hartono said the external examination during the post-mortem of victim NS revealed abrasions in several areas including the face, neck, and limbs.
"In addition, second-degree 2A burns were found at several points on the body, along with reddish-purple bruising indicating blunt force trauma," Hartono explained.
On Thursday (19 February), the 13-year-old boy with the initials NS from Bojongsari Village, Jampangkulon District, Sukabumi Regency, was reported to have died in tragic circumstances.
He died with numerous bruises and burn wounds on his body. The autopsy conducted by the forensic team revealed burn injuries across nearly the entire body of the victim.
The victim's final condition went viral on social media, showing his biological father accompanying and encouraging the victim who was already in a weakened state. The viral video also reportedly showed the victim pointing to his stepmother as the perpetrator, which provoked the biological father's anger towards TR.
Several rumours circulated from the video suggesting the victim had been subjected to abuse, including reports that he had been forced to drink hot water.