Several versions of stories, numerous lie-detector investigations, and many public speculations later, Bali police have finally confirmed Margriet as a suspect in Engeline’s tragic murder, Tribun Bali and Kompas reported.
This declaration has been the result of a long investigation that the police have conducted to determine whether any other individuals aside from Agus — Margriet’s former housekeeper and previously the sole suspect in the murder — were involved.
Despite accusations and speculations from the public and local media that Engeline’s adoptive mother must definitely be in the know, police have been unwilling to (publicly) declare her involvement until now.
Bali police chief Inspector General Ronny F Sompie reportedly told Tribun Bali that there were three strong evidence which pointed towards Margriet playing a role in the murder.
The first evidence is Agus’ statement.
Agus initially told the police that he killed and raped Engeline but later told the police that his role was limited to burying Engeline, and Margriet was the real killer. Though his inconsistent statements makes it hard to know what to believe, police have told local media that his statements can be “largely believed” based on the lie-detector test.
The second evidence is the forensic results given by the doctor at Sanglah Hospital, where an autopsy was conducted on Engeline’s deceased body. The autopsy indicated that Engeline died from the force of a blunt object that struck her head, with no indication of sexual violence.
The third evidence is from the lab test results conducted by the police’s own forensics team, who has been regularly visiting Engeline’s former residence and collecting various objects to serve as evidence, particularly from Margriet’s and Agus’ room.
Sompie reportedly told Tribun Bali that they will continue to question Margriet today and tomorrow to determine possible motives. In addition, the police will continue to look into whether there are any other possible suspects.
Lawyers for Margriet and Agus, unsurprisingly, reacted differently to the news. While Margriet’s lawyer allegedly expressed disappointment and “worry that the police made this statement based on public opinion, not facts”, Agus’ lawyer thanked the police and reportedly told Tribun Bali that he “was always sure that Agus was telling the truth” when he told the police that Margriet killed Engeline.
Others close to Engeline have also expressed strong reactions at the declaration. The principal at the school that Engeline formerly attended re-iterated that Engeline’s murderer should get the death penalty, a sentiment that Engeline’s birth father shared, according to Kompas.
We’ll continue to watch the developments of this case very closely and post any significant updates as they become available.
Photo: Engeline with her adoptive mother, Margriet, posted on Find Angeline – Bali’s Missing Child Facebook Page (now closed)
