A 25-year-old Singaporean man accused of killing his girlfriend in Bali is set to face murder charges after Indonesian authorities concluded their investigations into the case.
The victim, identified as 26-year-old Angelica Suherman, was found dead inside a rented house in South Denpasar, Bali, several days after her death.
According to Indonesian police, the suspect has been identified as Muhammad Zulhelmi, a Singaporean national. He was arrested on the night of Jul. 15 following the discovery of Suherman’s body.
Forensic Findings Point To Strangulation
A forensic examination determined that Suherman died from asphyxiation caused by external force applied to her neck.
Investigators found multiple injuries consistent with strangulation, including bruising on her face, bleeding within the neck tissues, and a fractured hyoid bone — a small bone located in the neck that is commonly associated with severe neck trauma.
Forensic experts estimated that she had been dead for between three and five days before her body was discovered.
The findings have become a key part of the evidence submitted to prosecutors as the case moves into the next stage of legal proceedings.
Argument Allegedly Led To Fatal Attack
Police investigations revealed that the couple had allegedly argued after the suspect suggested ending their relationship.
Authorities claim Zulhelmi then used both hands to strangle Suherman for approximately 10 to 15 minutes until she became unconscious and died.
After the incident, he allegedly moved her body into another room and concealed it beneath a carpet and several stuffed toys before leaving the property.
Investigators later tracked him down and arrested him in Bali.
Case Submitted To Prosecutors
Bali Provincial Police public relations chief Senior Commissioner Ariasandy told media outlets that witness interviews and forensic investigations have been completed.
The case file was reportedly submitted to the Denpasar prosecutor’s office on Jul. 17, formally beginning the judicial process.
Authorities said the suspect could face charges related to causing fatal injuries as well as murder under Indonesian law.
The case has attracted significant attention in both Singapore and Indonesia due to the involvement of a Singaporean citizen and the circumstances surrounding the victim’s death.
Immigration Authorities Also Investigating
Indonesian immigration records reportedly showed that Zulhelmi entered Indonesia on Oct. 23, 2024, under a visa-free arrangement.
Authorities said he had remained in the country beyond the permitted period and was overstaying at the time of his arrest.
Denpasar police have been coordinating with Indonesian immigration officials as well as representatives from the Singapore Embassy in Indonesia throughout the investigation.
The case is expected to proceed through Indonesia’s criminal justice system in the coming weeks as prosecutors review the evidence and determine the charges to be pursued in court.