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Foster Mother Named Suspect in Engeline's Brutal Murder

Nyoman Mardika
June 29, 2015 | 10:33 am
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The murder of 8-year-old Engeline has prompted calls to crack down on child abuse across Indonesia. (Antara Photo/Fikri Yusuf)
The murder of 8-year-old Engeline has prompted calls to crack down on child abuse across Indonesia. (Antara Photo/Fikri Yusuf)

Denpasar. Bali Police have named the foster mother of a murdered 8-year-old girl as a suspect in her killing.

Margaret Christine Megawe, who has already been named a suspect for child neglect, was on Monday accused of involvement in the brutal murder of her stepdaughter, Engeline (previously reported as Angeline).

"Based on Saturday's investigation, the evidence and testimonies collected by the investigators, we have a new suspect, Margraret," a source within Bali police said Monday.

Nearly a month after Engeline disappeared, police found the little girl’s body buried in the backyard of her foster mother’s home in Denpasar, Bali on June 8.

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A former domestic worker for the family, Agus, 25, confessed to sexually assaulting the 8-year-old before killing her and disposing of her body, police said.

But after questioning more than 30 witnesses in the investigation, police say they have found enough evidence to further implicate Margaret in the crime.

Bali Police chief Isnp. Gen. Ronny F.Sompie confirmed that Margaret had been named a suspect on Monday, telling the Jakarta Globe the decision was based on "sufficient initial evidence."

Police have also not ruled out naming more suspects in the case.

Engeline's murder has gripped the nation, inciting anger and regret over her tragic life before her violent death. There have since been numerous calls for a review of Indonesia's child protection laws.

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