Eyewitness News – DENPASAR
15. September.2026
Speaking to reporters at the Bali Regional Police Public Relations Press Room on Tuesday (Sept. 15, 2026), Denpasar Police Chief Senior Commander Leonardo D. Simatupang, accompanied by Head of Public Relations Denpasar Police I Gede Adhi Saputra Jaya , disclosed the latest developments in the alleged murder-suicide involving an Australian family.
The incident occurred on Sept. 13 at a bungalow in the Central Legian area, Kuta, Badung. The three victims were identified as SDJ (57, father), who was found hanged by a rope, and his two children, ADS and LKS, whose bodies were found stacked on top of each other.
Based on CCTV footage analysis and witness testimony, the father is strongly suspected of killing his two children before taking his own life.
​CCTV and Audio Analysis
Review of the crime scene’s CCTV footage revealed a tragic sequence of events:
• ​A boy (victim) was heard screaming inside the room, while a girl (victim) was seen running outside. She was pursued, captured by the father, and dragged back into the room. The suspect then retrieved a blue rope from a storage room, which he later used to hang himself.
• ​Attempt to Cover Tracks: Prior to hanging himself, the suspect tilted the CCTV camera downward.
External Autopsy and Forensic Findings
Medical and police forensics teams identified key physical findings on the victims’ bodies:
• ​Signs of Violence on Children: Visual examination by physicians revealed physical trauma, specifically around the necks of both children.
• ​Forensic Evidence on Suspect: The husband’s body exhibited biological indications consistent with death by asphyxiation due to hanging.
Motive and Mental Health History
Statements from the suspect’s wife revealed ongoing domestic friction since 2022 due to frequent arguments. She noted that SDJ suffered from severe anxiety issues. Coincidentally, the wife had returned to her parents’ house in Jakarta on Sept. 10.
Prior Suicide Attempt: The suspect had previously attempted suicide last month using a cable, which was intervened in by his wife. Although aware of his condition, the family had not sought medical treatment for him.
Case Resolution and Inter-Agency Coordination
The case will be concluded in accordance with legal procedures and inter-agency protocol:
• ​Termination of Investigation (SP3): Denpasar Police, alongside the Criminal Investigation Unit, will issue an Order to Terminate Investigation (SP3) as the sole suspect is deceased.
• ​Consular Coordination: Kuta Police and the Australian Consulate have coordinated to hand over full custody of the three bodies to the wife.
• ​Autopsy Refusal: According to Senior Commander Leonardo, the wife submitted an official statement declining a full autopsy, citing clear CCTV evidence and her husband’s documented psychiatric history.
Reporter: Daniel Herry
