Iced Coffee Killer Speaks After Release From Indonesian Prison

Convicted Woman Maintains Innocence in High-Profile Cyanide Case

Eight years after being sentenced to 20 years in prison, Jessica Wongso, known as the “Iced Coffee Killer,” has publicly addressed the 2016 death of her friend, Mirna Salihin. Released on parole earlier this year, she recently gave an interview to Australian television, continuing to assert she did not commit the crime.

The Fatal Coffee

Wongso was found guilty of premeditated murder for allegedly poisoning Salihin’s iced Vietnamese coffee with cyanide at a Jakarta café in January 2016. Prosecutors contended the act stemmed from jealousy over Salihin’s recent marriage and a suggestion that Wongso end a previous relationship.

Evidence presented at trial included video footage purportedly showing Wongso arriving at the café before Salihin and strategically placing shopping bags to obscure CCTV views. Shortly after Salihin consumed the coffee, she collapsed and later died in hospital.

“This deed was vile and sadistic, committed against her own friend,”

—The Chief Judge, 2016

Parole and Continued Denial

Following her release in August 2024, Wongso stated she had “forgiven everyone who wronged” her. In a recent interview with 7News Spotlight, she downplayed her relationship with the victim. “We weren’t close at all,” she told journalist Liam Bartlett. “We came from the same country. We weren’t best friends or anything. After graduation she went back to Indonesia for good and I stayed in Australia.”

When questioned about placing bags on the table, Wongso offered a casual explanation. “Oh, it’s just me being me,” she said. “Like I just put it there and it’s like shuffle it and play with it. And it’s like me just, you know, being bored, it really doesn’t mean anything at all. Like if I have to be honest with you.” She maintained she could not discuss specifics due to legal restrictions.

Globally, cases involving poisoning are relatively rare, accounting for approximately 0.5% of all homicides according to data from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime ( UNODC Homicide Statistics). However, they often garner significant public attention due to their perceived premeditation and shocking nature.

As a condition of her parole, Wongso is required to remain in Jakarta until 2032. When asked if someone else was responsible for Salihin’s death, she responded cautiously. “Maybe. I could only say, maybe,” she replied.