Son Arrested for Setting Father on Fire in Medan, Possible Motive: Wife's Departure

A 39-year-old man, identified by the initials EP, has been arrested for allegedly setting his 66-year-old biological father, YL, on fire in Medan Sunggal District, Medan City. The victim sustained burns on his hands and feet and is currently undergoing treatment at a hospital. According to Iptu Herman Sentosa, the Head of the Medan Sunggal Police Criminal Investigation Unit, the incident occurred on Friday (July 17, 2026) around 10:00 PM in front of their residence on Jalan Wakaf II, Pinang Baris Village. EP lived with the victim and his stepmother. "EP and the victim were involved in a quarrel in front of the house. Residents at the location attempted to mediate the dispute. Then, EP took gasoline and poured it on the victim's body," Herman told CNN on Saturday (July 18, 2026). After pouring the gasoline, EP immediately set his father on fire. The flames engulfed the victim's body, causing burns to his hands and feet. Fortunately, residents who witnessed the event quickly provided assistance and took the victim to the hospital for medical treatment. "The police, upon receiving the report, moved to the location and apprehended EP. In addition to arresting EP, officers also seized several pieces of evidence, including a sharp weapon found from the perpetrator," he said. Based on preliminary examination, Herman added, EP confessed to setting his biological father on fire due to stress from his wife leaving him. However, investigators are still conducting further investigations. "The information we have is that the perpetrator admitted to being stressed because his wife left him. But we are still delving into that," said Iptu Herman. Iptu Herman added that EP has now been secured at the Medan Sunggal Police Station for further examination. Meanwhile, the victim's condition is still under medical care due to the burns he suffered. "We are also still gathering statements from several witnesses to fully uncover the chronology and the perpetrator's motive," he explained.