JAKARTA - The police are hunting for a suspected stabbing perpetrator who killed a young housewife (IRT) in front of the Catholic Church of the Parish of Saint Bernardus Aimas, Sorong Regency, on Sunday, January 18, 2026.
Head of the Criminal Investigation Unit of the Sorong Police, Iptu Erikson Sitorus explained, based on the results of the initial investigation, the victim arrived at the church location with his son using online transportation. The situation was seen as normal when the victim got off the vehicle in front of the church gate.
"A few minutes after the victim got out of the vehicle, the alleged perpetrator who was allegedly already around the location immediately approached and stabbed using a sharp weapon," said Iptu Erikson in Sorong, Monday, quoted by Antara.
Despite suffering serious injuries, the victim tried to save himself while carrying his child and ran to the church door to ask for help. However, the victim eventually fell in the church yard and died from the stab wounds he suffered.
The victim's child is confirmed to be safe and is currently receiving assistance from the relevant parties. After carrying out the action, the perpetrator fled using a black Hilux car without a police number.
The police who received the report immediately came to the scene, sterilized the area, put up a police line, and secured a number of witnesses around the crime scene (TKP).
Iptu Erikson emphasized that the identity of the suspected perpetrator had been known and the special team was now focusing on the pursuit.
In addition, investigators are still investigating the motive for the stabbing, including the possibility of a relationship between the victim and the perpetrator.
"We are still investigating the motive and the relationship between the victim and the perpetrator. We are all exploring professionally and based on facts," he said.
The police also appealed to the public, especially the victim's family, to remain calm and not be provoked by unverified information.
"We guarantee that the handling of this case will be carried out transparently and thoroughly. We ask the public to maintain the kamtibmas situation and not take any actions that can hinder the legal process," he said.
The Sorong Police ensured that the development of the case would be periodically conveyed to the public according to the stages of the ongoing investigation.
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