Toxicologist Reveals Late Doctor's Distress: 'I Panicked, Was Shouted At'

A toxicologist has come forward to share the final conversations she had with Dr. Eliza Princila Utami Pakaenoni, the 27-year-old doctor found dead at her residence in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT). Dr. Tri Maharani, a specialist in venomous snake toxicology, stated that Dr. Icha contacted her in a state of extreme fear and panic on 13 June. “I was consulting with Dr. Icha during the incident on 13 June. The doctor called me in a state of fear and panic. She called me three or four times,” Maharani said on Monday (29/6/2026). According to Maharani, Dr. Icha recounted being severely scolded by the patient’s family and was even asked for her full name. “She told me, ‘I was shouted at, scolded, and asked for my full name,’” Maharani recounted. Maharani also received details about the snakebite patient’s condition from Dr. Icha. She had advised the young doctor to explain the medical situation clearly. “The patient’s lab results were normal, and the physical condition was normal. Only immobilisation was needed, not antivenom. Dr. Icha had already explained this, but the family, who are members of the Regional House of Representatives (DPRD), refused to accept it,” she revealed. Maharani noted that it was Dr. Icha who ended up apologising because the patient’s family remained furious. “‘Doctor, I’m sorry, I panicked, I was shouted at and scolded,’ she told me. This child was kind. The family kept insisting on the antivenom,” she said. Maharani confirmed she is prepared to act as a witness if required and has preserved all WhatsApp messages from Dr. Icha as evidence. The incident began when two members of the North Central Timor (TTU) DPRD, Norbertus Tubani and Therensius Lazakar, arrived at Leona Hospital’s emergency department regarding the treatment of a child snakebite victim, who was Lazakar’s nephew. Witnesses reported that the two legislators allegedly arrived smelling of alcohol and spoke to Dr. Icha in a high-handed manner while she was performing her medical duties. The event is believed to have left deep psychological trauma for Dr. Icha. She underwent intensive medical care before being found deceased at her parents’ home in Baumata, Kupang Regency, on Friday, 26 June 2026.