S'porean man, 25, to be charged with murder for killing girlfriend in Bali, victim identified

The 25-year-old Singaporean man arrested for allegedly strangling his girlfriend to death in Bali has been identified, and will be charged with murder, according to 8world.

Bali Provincial Police public relations chief Senior Commissioner Ariasandy confirmed with 8world that the suspect is Muhammad Zulhelmi, a Singaporean Malay man.

It was previously reported that he was 26 years old.

As previously reported, he was arrested on the night of Jul. 15 after the body of his girlfriend was discovered at a rental house in South Denpasar.

Victim identified

The victim has been identified as Angelica Suherman, 26, according to 8world.

A forensic examination confirmed she died from asphyxiation caused by blunt external force to the neck, with injuries consistent with strangulation.

The forensic report also found bruising on her face, bleeding in the neck tissue and a fractured hyoid bone, all consistent with violent neck trauma.

The estimated duration she was dead was three to five days before the body was discovered.

What happened

According to 8world, police investigations revealed that the suspect and victim had argued after he proposed ending their relationship.

He allegedly used both hands to strangle her for around 10 to 15 minutes until she lost consciousness and died.

After the killing, he moved her body to another room and covered it with a carpet and stuffed toys before leaving the scene for a few days.

Charges

Zulhelmi faces two charges: Causing grievous bodily harm resulting in death, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years; and/or murder which carries a maximum sentence of 15 years.

Ariasandy told 8world that police have completed witness statements and forensic investigations, and submitted the case notification to the Denpasar prosecutor's office on Jul. 17, formally initiating the judicial process.

Overstayed visa

According to Indonesian immigration records cited by 8world, Zulhelmi last entered Indonesia on Oct. 23, 2024, under a visa-free entry arrangement.

He has been overstaying.

Denpasar police have coordinated with Indonesian immigration authorities and the Singapore embassy in Indonesia on the case, given that it involves a foreign national.