Murdered sales lady last seen alive on CCTV waiting for ride to work
A CCTV captures Cachero on her way to work before she was found dead.
Thelma Liza Banay Cachero, the missing sales lady from Barangay San Isidro, Naguilian town, La Union province who was found dead on Monday morning, Feb. 2, was last seen alive on surveillance footage on Jan. 31 walking out of their home and waiting for a tricycle on the road.
The husband of her cousin fetched her from work in the afternoon of Jan. 31 but mall personnel informed him that she did not report for work. Attempts to contact her cellphone were unsuccessful.
Police said Thelma was reported missing on Jan. 31 by her father after she failed to return home.
Her family reported her disappearance to the Naguilian Municipal Police Station and appealed to the public for information on her whereabouts.
The body of Cachero was discovered in a mountainous area in Sitio Mallare, Barangay San Isidro.
Her body was found at around 7:30 a.m. by a farmer pasturing his carabao.
The 29-year-old’s victim’s body was lying face up in a grassy portion of the mountain and in a state of decomposition.
The victim’s body has been autopsied. Her family suspects she may have been strangled as her identification card was found wrapped around her neck.
Police forensics probers said there were indications of strangulation on the victim’s neck, allegedly caused by the strap of her bag.
Authorities are considering the possibility that she was raped, pending confirmation from the crime laboratory.
Police have identified a person of interest in connection with the killing and are conducting backtracking operations.
Investigators are coordinating with nearby areas and establishments to review available CCTV footage that may show the victim’s route.
Police Brig. Gen Dindo Reyes, Police Regional Office-1 chief, said a full investigation is ongoing. (with a report from Liezle Basa-Inigo)