TOP STORIES: Korean tourist dies in robbery, suspect found with self-inflicted gunshot wound

The year was full of tragic murders, some of which remain unsolved. He was marked with two murder-robberies to start the year, just a month apart.

On January 4, a Korean couple returning to their hotel in Tumon was robbed at gunpoint and 60-year-old Hea Jun Hwang was shot and later died. The couple was visiting Guam to celebrate their retirement.

The suspects fled the scene with the woman’s purse, sparking a five-day manhunt for the suspects and raising concerns about the impact on Guam’s still-sluggish tourism. Korea is Guam’s largest visitor market.

On January 9, the police held a press conference at 11:00 PM to announce the arrest of Stefan Keanu Camacho. Police said he talked about his role as the getaway driver.

That evening, police went to a residence after obtaining a warrant where the main suspect’s vehicle was parked. As officers approached the vehicle, they heard a single gunshot.

Police said the second suspect, Keoki Santos, died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

According to court documents, Camacho and Santos were looking for someone to rob to make up for a $100 gambling loss. Each took $75 from the robbery.

About a month later, on February 16, 53-year-old Sumittra Lairopi died from injuries he sustained during a robbery two days earlier in Tamuning.

Four days later, the police made two arrests: Domingo Chargualaf Mendiola and Jenna Rose Calinagan Manibusan. Mendiola faces aggravated murder, first-degree robbery, conspiracy to commit robbery, theft of a motor vehicle, possession of a controlled substance, while Manibusan faces charges of complicity to commit aggravated murder, complicity to commit first-degree robbery I and conspiracy to commit robbery — each as felonies of the first degree.

More murders in 2024

Three people have been arrested over the death of Joshua Taitague, whose body was found in the middle of the road in Talo’fo’fo’ in July.
Two people have been arrested in the July near-drowning death of a 2-year-old boy.
A man has been arrested on charges of aggravated murder and assault in the death of Ryan Chaco in September. Chaco’s remains were found inside a burning home, and an autopsy later said Chaco had multiple stab wounds to the neck and chest.
A man has been arrested in connection with the death of Michael Fel on November 4. Police said the suspect left a dying Fel at the hospital and sped away. Police said they received a confession following the suspect’s arrest three weeks later.

Pacific Daily News reporter Jojo Santo Tomas covers all interesting topics, including sports. Email him at [email protected].