A horrific murder case out of Indonesia has made headlines after the suspect allegedly cited One Piece as part of his motive for killing. But as details emerge, the situation becomes much more complicated than a mistake in an anime reference.
On 10 August 2025, local police in Berau District, East Kalimantan, arrested a man named Julius (33-34 years old) on suspicion of killing his wife and two children using a machete. The crime took place in Kampung Bunan Mahakam, a remote village in Segah District, and shook the quiet community.
Berita Sato’s initial reports confirmed that Julius was the only suspect and he was arrested shortly after the incident. While the case itself would already be devastating in itself, things took a strange turn once authorities started questioning him.
The following is a translation of the most prominent points of his dialogue with the person filming, who is believed to be a police officer:
When asked if “One Piece” was the reason, he replied: “Because of One Piece.”
The person filming asks: “You killed them?”
The man explains his motives: “Yes, I couldn’t meet the living requirements of One Piece. One Piece scolded me.”
Seeking clarification, the officer asks: “So you killed your wife and children because of One Piece?”
The man confirms: “Yes.”
When asked directly if he committed the anime murders, Julius simply replied: “Yes.”
The footage quickly spread across Indonesian social media, sparking a wave of reactions, ranging from confusion to anger, and raising questions about whether popular culture played any real role in the tragedy.
Police: Don’t blame the anime yet
The authorities were quick to intervene and clarify the situation. According to AKP Ngategan, head of public relations for the Berau police, the case is being treated primarily as a result of internal conflict, rather than media influence.
There are no signs of infidelity or any third party involvement. Instead, investigators are working with psychiatric specialists to evaluate Julius’ mental condition. He is currently undergoing formal psychiatric evaluation at RSUD Abdul Rufai Regional Hospital in Berau.
Reports confirm that the victims were Julius’ wife and two biological children, approximately ages 5 and 4. Some media also reported that the wife was six months pregnant, but the police did not officially confirm these details.
So far, authorities have asked the public and media to avoid speculation and allow the investigation to continue respectfully.
One Piece is one of the most successful anime series of all time. Written by Eiichiro Oda, the series follows the adventures of Monkey D. Luffy and his crew as they search for the legendary treasure, “One Piece.” The manga began in 1997, and the anime is still ongoing, premiering in 1999.
While Julius’s comments have attracted global attention, investigators are warning that his references to One Piece reflect a possible psychological delusion, rather than the true motive behind the crime.
Police continue to collect forensic evidence, interview neighbors, and await the results of psychological tests. Once the mental health evaluation is complete, prosecutors will determine how to proceed with formal charges.
As it stands, the suspect remains in custody. The One Piece comments, while sensational, are being treated by authorities as part of a mental health crisis, rather than a literal anime-related motive.
Sources: TV One, Beretta One, TikTok
