Prosecutor Seeks 15-Year Sentence in Medan Wife Murder Case

MEDAN | INDATANEWS.COM – The Medan District Prosecutor's Office has demanded a 15-year prison sentence for defendant Asrizal, who is accused of killing his wife, Nur Sri Wulandari. The incident took place at the couple's residence in Gang Jawa, Jalan Kapten Muslim No. 61-D, Sei Sikambing C-II Village, Medan Helvetia District, Medan City.

At a hearing held on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at the Medan District Court, Public Prosecutor AP. Frianto Naibaho stated that the defendant's actions fulfilled all legal elements of a criminal offense under Article 458 of Law No. 1 of 2023 on the Indonesian Criminal Code (KUHP), as outlined in the alternative second indictment.

"The defendant Asrizal is being charged with 15 years in prison in the case involving the death of his wife," Frianto said on the sidelines of the court session.

The panel of judges, chaired by Yohana Timora Pangaribuan, granted the defense team a two-week period to prepare their written plea (defense memorandum).

Domestic Dispute Escalates Before Incident

The fatal incident occurred on Friday, October 31, 2025, at around 03:30 a.m. in the couple's shared home in Medan Helvetia. Prior to the tragedy, Asrizal had asked his wife on Thursday, October 30, 2025, at around 11:00 p.m., to give him a massage.

Afterward, the victim rested in the bedroom while the defendant remained in the living room counting money. At around 1:00 a.m., Asrizal entered the bedroom again, adjusted the mosquito net, turned off the lights, and disconnected charging devices and a CCTV connection, claiming he wanted to save electricity and prevent short circuits.

Fatal Escalation in the Early Hours

At approximately 3:00 a.m., the defendant allegedly returned and demanded sexual relations. The victim refused due to fatigue, leading to an argument. The situation escalated into a physical altercation during which both parties' clothing was torn.

After briefly calming down, the victim went to the bathroom to change clothes. However, tensions flared again when another request was rejected. The defendant then allegedly used a pillow to suffocate his wife until she lost consciousness.

Although the victim reportedly attempted to resist and scratched the defendant, he continued restricting her airway until she stopped moving. He then placed the pillow under her head and lay beside her, believing she had only fainted.

Family Discovers Victim Unresponsive

At around 7:45 a.m., the defendant woke up and realized his wife was unresponsive. He then informed family members, including the victim's mother, Siti Amna, and brother-in-law, Ipan Suwandi, and picked up his mother-in-law from the market.

At the scene, the victim's mother confirmed her daughter had died. Relatives and residents soon gathered at the house.

The body of Nur Sri Wulandari was later transported by ambulance to her parents' home in Lorong Sidodadi, Jalan Rasmi, Medan Helvetia. The family requested an autopsy at Bhayangkara Hospital in Medan. Police later arrested the defendant for legal proceedings. (IDNC)

REPORTER: Saifan Anwar Lubis | EDITOR: Fik Sagala