JIMBARAN, Bali — Bali police are expanding their investigation into the death of a Canadian national found with a gunshot wound at a private villa, focusing on a question that remains unanswered: How did the firearm end up in his possession?
Authorities confirmed on Tuesday that the pistol recovered at the scene still contained four live rounds inside its magazine, adding another layer to an investigation that has attracted attention among Bali’s international community.
The victim, identified by his initials AJK, 46, was found dead inside a villa in Jimbaran, South Kuta, on July 6.
While investigators continue to examine whether the fatal gunshot was self-inflicted, police say the final conclusion will depend on the results of a forensic autopsy.
Four Bullets Remained in the Magazine
Bali Police spokesperson Senior Commissioner Ariasandy said investigators had secured the firearm and its remaining ammunition as evidence.
“The pistol still had its magazine attached, with four live rounds inside,” Ariasandy told reporters on Tuesday.
For investigators, however, the ammunition is only part of the story.
Police are now tracing the weapon’s origin, including who supplied it, how it entered Indonesia, and how the Canadian national allegedly obtained it.
“We are investigating where the firearm came from, who handed it over, and how the deceased acquired it,” Ariasandy said.
Indonesia has some of the world’s strictest firearm regulations, making civilian ownership highly restricted and illegal possession a serious criminal offense.
Five Witnesses Questioned
Investigators have interviewed five witnesses who were present at or connected to the villa on the day of the incident.
They include the victim’s friend, neighboring residents, villa security personnel, and a maintenance technician.
Police say the witness interviews form part of a broader effort to reconstruct the final hours before AJK’s death.
Previous Suicide Attempts Reported
The Canadian national was reportedly discovered by a friend identified as Benjamin, together with villa staff.
According to Benjamin’s statement to investigators, AJK had allegedly attempted suicide three times before the fatal incident.
Police also said information gathered during the investigation suggests the victim may have experienced paranoid mental health symptoms, although authorities have not released further medical details.
Investigation Continues
Earlier this week, Bali Police said preliminary evidence, including gunpowder residue found near the victim’s head, pointed toward the possibility of suicide. However, investigators have emphasized that no official determination has been made while they await the autopsy report.
The forensic examination is expected to clarify the exact cause and manner of death, while detectives continue investigating the firearm itself.
Until both investigations are complete, police say the case remains open.
For Bali’s international residents and visitors, the incident stands out not only because fatal shootings are exceptionally rare on the island, but also because it raises questions about how a firearm was allegedly obtained in a country where gun ownership is tightly controlled.
