Student Shot Dead by Friend Day Before Thesis Defence in Sumba
Mario Marselina Kura (24), a final-year student at Universitas Stella Maris in south-west Sumba, Nusa Tenggara Timur Province (NTT), died after being shot in the chest with an air rifle by his friend Alexander Bili Kandu (20). The incident occurred one day before his scheduled thesis defence.
“Yes, the victim was scheduled to present his thesis at campus today,” said Head of Criminal Investigation at South-West Sumba Police, Iptu Yakobus Sanam, on Saturday, 23 May 2026.
The tragic incident took place at a kiosk belonging to Mario’s family in Weepangali village, Kota Tambolaka subdistrict, South-West Sumba regency, NTT, at approximately 16:00 WIT on Friday, 22 May. Mario was known to be an activist with the Indonesian Students League for Democracy (LMID) in South-West Sumba.
Police have charged Alexander in connection with assault allegations against Mario. He has been charged under Section 474(3) of Law Number 1 of 2023 on the new Criminal Code, which carries a penalty of up to five years imprisonment.
“We have completed the investigation and case review, and have formally charged the suspect. We have also detained the suspect for 20 days from today,” stated Yakobus.
The Shooting with an Air Rifle
Yakobus described the moment Mario was struck after being shot with an air rifle by his friend Alexander. Alexander initially visited Mario’s kiosk to purchase cigarettes whilst carrying an air rifle. At the time, he was served by the victim’s younger brother, Antonio Moru Kodu (10).
After making his purchase, Alexander was playfully teased and asked Mario to shoot him. Without hesitation, Alexander cocked the rifle he was carrying and fired a shot at Mario’s right chest. Mario immediately collapsed and fell to the ground.
“Initially, the victim made a joking remark, saying ‘go ahead and shoot me in the chest’. After that, the suspect immediately fired at the victim, causing him to fall to the ground,” Yakobus recounted.
Mario’s panicked father rushed him to Kharitas Waitabula Hospital. However, Mario’s life could not be saved, and he was declared dead on arrival.
Arrest of the Suspected Perpetrator
The case was subsequently reported to South-West Sumba Police. Upon receiving the report, officers immediately attended the scene and conducted an investigation.
It did not take long for police to apprehend Alexander and bring him to South-West Sumba Police headquarters. Officers also seized evidence comprising one Mauser brand air rifle, calibre 4.5 mm (0.177 inch), with a power rating of 600 to 1000 fps and an effective accurate range of 30 to 50 metres.
“We have also secured the victim’s clothing as evidence. The suspect is undergoing intensive questioning,” said Yakobus.
According to Yakobus, Alexander’s actions constituted gross negligence and reckless behaviour that resulted in the victim’s death. Additionally, Alexander did not possess authorisation for the use and possession of the air rifle.
“The victim sustained a gunshot wound to the right chest area. We are also interviewing witnesses,” concluded Yakobus.
LMID Condemns the Shooting
Hendrik Manu Rara, Chairman of the LMID Executive in Kupang City, condemned the incident that claimed Mario’s life. He called on South-West Sumba Police to apply multiple charges against the shooter. Hendrik viewed the alleged perpetrator’s actions as a form of conscious and deliberate negligence.
“This must be thoroughly investigated as we suspect the perpetrator acted consciously, deliberately and negligently when shooting our comrade,” Hendrik insisted.
As an LMID activist, Mario was scheduled to attend the organisation’s basic training programme the following month. “Yes, he was a League member who only became active after we expanded our grassroots movement and established LMID in South-West Sumba in March,” said Hendrik.
“He was supposed to attend the basic member training programme next month,” he added.