Some people, including many in the media, were quick to suggest that Jessica Keumala Wongso is guilty of poisoning her friend Wayan Mirna Salihin’s cup of coffee, in what has undoubtedly the become the most discussed murder case in Jakarta in recent years.
But many also believe that the police jumped the gun in naming Jessica a suspect because they don’t have enough concrete evidence (besides witness testimonies) that implicates Jessica in the murder.
Members of Jessica’s own legal team say they were reluctant to act on that belief, but yesterday they finally decided to file a pre-trial motion to dismiss her status as a suspect in the case.
“At first, we didn’t want to file a pre-trial motion. But we felt challenged when someone questioned why we wouldn’t file for one if we believe [Jessica] is not guilty, so we’re giving it a try,” said Andi Joesoef, Jessica’s legal counsel, as quoted by BeritaSatu yesterday.
Andi added that the pre-trial motion will be heard on February 23rd at the Central Jakarta District Court.
The Jakarta Metro Police say they’re putting together evidence against Jessica as they’re preparing for the pre-trial hearing. However, as of yesterday, they admitted that their investigation into the case was only 75% complete.
Jessica returned to police custody last night after spending six days in Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital to undergo psychiatric evaluation. She wasn’t found to be suffering from any mental illnesses.
