The grieving wife of the Australian man who was shot dead while on holiday in Bali has delivered a heartbreaking tribute, describing him as “the best dad in the world” as she faces the task of raising their six children alone.
Jazmyn Gourdeas, whose husband was gunned down during what Indonesian authorities allege was a brutal premeditated murder, shared her sorrow in a handwritten letter read by the family’s lawyer at a press conference on Tuesday.
“My husband was a loving man and the best dad in the world. Now I have the unimaginable task of going home to tell [the kids] that he’s no longer here,” the letter read. Ms Gourdeas also thanked Indonesian police for their support and pleaded for privacy so her family can grieve.
Family lawyer Sary Latief said Ms Gourdeas was struggling to cope with the tragedy. “She doesn’t have the appetite to eat, she’s lost a lot of weight, she looks very pale, she’s really worried, she wants to go home,” Ms Latief told reporters. Ms Gourdeas’ mother and brother have travelled to Indonesia to support her during this harrowing time.
The violent attack unfolded on June 14 inside a villa the couple had rented in Bali to celebrate Ms Gourdeas’ 30th birthday. Police allege that three men forced their way into the property, where Mr Radmanovic was beaten before being fatally shot. Another man, Sanar Ghanim, was also shot but managed to escape.
Ms Gourdeas, who witnessed the horrific incident while hiding from the attackers, is now left to care for six children aged between nine months and 13 years, including three children with epilepsy who require ongoing medical care.
Close friend Jamie Lee has launched a fundraiser to support the family, describing the loss as “sudden and devastating”. “Now Jazmyn faces the unimaginable challenge of caring for their large family alone,” she said. “The weight of single motherhood is beginning to weigh on her.”
Bali Police Chief Daniel Adityajaya confirmed that three Australian men have been arrested over the alleged murder. “We are certain these three are the perpetrators. They are Australian nationals according to their passports,” he said.
If convicted of murder under Indonesian law, the accused could face the death penalty.
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