Three teenagers tried for killing housemaid

JAKARTA (JP): Three teenagers were indicted at the Central Jakarta District Court yesterday of killing a housemaid and robbing jewelry worth Rp 3.5 million (US$972) allegedly to fund their recreation in Bali.

Prosecutor Andrizal said the defendants -- identified as Martin Togi Nababan, 16; Richard Ramses El Tobing, 16; and Rudi Yanto alias Lay Cien Sang, 16 -- killed Ningsih, a 50-year-old housemaid, in a house on Jl. Gunung Sahari on Aug. 1.

Andrizal said the defendants drove a Kijang van to the house belonging to Martin's grandmother, Kristiani Hutasoit, and met Ningsih.

After telling Martin, a senior high school graduate, that his grandmother was not at home, Ningsih went to the kitchen, he said.

Andrizal said Martin invited his friends -- both first-year students of senior high schools -- to steal his grandmother's jewelry.

Martin then allegedly tried to open his grandmother's bedroom with a screwdriver, while his friends were watching in the living room.

Upon seeing Martin trying to forcibly open his grandmother's bedroom, Ningsih told him she would shout for help if Martin continued to break the room's door, Andrizal said.

But Martin did not heed her and Ningsih shouted: "Thieves...Thieves". Her shout angered Martin and his friends, who then attacked Ningsih and strangled her with a cable, Andrizal said. The victim was allegedly repeatedly beaten by Martin with a teapot.

Ningsih's hands were then tied by the defendants while her mouth was taped, he said.

The defendants later sprayed gasoline on Ningsih's mattress and started a fire in her bedroom after stealing the jewelry and a 29-inch television, he said.

Residents in the area came to the house to extinguish the fire. They found Ningsih dead after putting out the fire, he said.

Andrizal said police managed to arrest the defendants in Bali on Aug. 10.

He charged the defendants under Article 339 and 365 (3) of the Criminal Code which carries punishments of between 15 and 20 years in prison.

Presiding judge Asmar Ismail adjourned the trial until next week to hear defense statements. (jun)