Satay Murder: Indonesian Man Accused of Poisoning Mother‑in‑Law

Wed Jun 17 2026 07:49:52 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

A 40‑year‑old Indonesian man is accused of murdering his 57‑year‑old mother‑in‑law by lacing chicken satay with rat poison.

An Indonesian man, Purwadi Wahyudi, is under arrest for allegedly poisoning his 57‑year‑old mother‑in‑law by contaminating chicken satay. The suspect was said to have copied a delivery app account to trick his victim into consuming the toxic dish. Forensic tests revealed rat poison residue in the victim’s organs, confirming a well‑planned murder. The case, which could lead to the death penalty, has sparked wider concerns over food safety and courier fraud in Indonesia.

Satay Murder: Indonesian Man Accused of Poisoning Mother‑in‑Law

On 18 May, Purwadi Wahyudi was arrested in Central Java for allegedly lacing chicken satay with rat poison and sending the toxic dish to his 57‑year‑old mother‑in‑law, Aminah.

Investigators say the suspect pretended to be the delivery driver of an app using his sister‑in‑law’s name and photo, tricking her into eating the poisoned food. The delivery driver reportedly noticed the packaging was altered, but the suspect continued his plan.

Forensic analysis of Aminah’s body found toxic chemicals in major organs, confirming the murder was pre‑planned. A neighbour reported dead chickens near the coop the day before her body was discovered, raising doubts about a natural death.

Purwadi, now a suspect, remains detained but has not yet been charged. In Indonesia, murder can attract the death penalty or a minimum 20‑year sentence.

The case has sparked debate over food safety protocols and the risks of fraudulent courier services, and law‑makers are reviewing laws that could impose harsher penalties for covert poisoning.

Boyolali Police investigators pose with evidence collected during the murder inquiry