Therapist raped, murdered in Cagayan
TUGUEGARAO CITY, Cagayan -- A respiratory therapist who was reportedly missing since Sunday was found dead on Monday at the Pamiitan Apartment at Tumanguil Street, Carig Sur in this city.
Investigator Staff Sgt. John Paul M. Taguiam identified the victim as Ma Jennifer Suzette Oñate, 27, a native of Gattaran, Cagayan, and contractual employee at Cagayan Valley Medical Center.
The victim, who was staying at 3rd Floor, Room 10 of said Pamiitan apartment, was reported missing on April 24 as she did not report for work at CVMC, according to her husband, Renz Oñate ,a resident of Palagao Norte, Gattaran, Cagayan.
Her husband claimed that he and his wife had their last via video call on the night of April 23, 2022 at around 7:13 p.m.
Oñate told investigators that on the same night he was expecting another call from his wife but did not receive any.
On April 24, a Sunday, his wife’s co-workers messaged him, asking if she went home since she did not report for work at CVMC.
That moment he already asked for assistance from the police, who discovered the victim at room 5 of the apartment.
Staff Sergeant Taguiam told Manila Bulletin that the person of interest is now in their custody who also confessed to what he had done.
“May nakuha na kaming person of interest, nasa 31 anyos, driver ng truck na nag -uupa din sa nabanggit na apartment,” said Taguiam.
“Noong una maayos naman na nakipagtulungan sa amin, pero hindi nya binangit na may kinalaman ito noong unang araw na hinahanap ang biktima,” the investigator added.
The person of interest later confessed that he had raped the victim and killed her.
“Ang sabi nya lasing siya, at nirape niya ang biktima saka nya sinakal sa huli. Napatay niya ang biktima sa room 10 at pagkatapos ay dinala niya ito sa room 5 at doon binalot niya ito ng kumot,” the investigator said.
A blood stain was seen on the wall of the room and on one of the pillows.
The victim’s blanket and pillow case, books, bible, cellular phone, charger and power bank were missing but were later found in custody of the person of interest.
Rape with homicide will be filed against the suspect, according to the PNP.