Authorities confirmed that a 17-year-old male is responsible for the rape and murder of a 14-year-old girl in Barangay Unidos, Nabas, Aklan.
Police Maj. Jose Mark Anthony Gesulga of the Nabas Municipal Police Station said the suspect was charged with rape with homicide on February 10.
According to investigators, the suspect ran away from home on January 15 and stayed with a friend in Libertad. The next night, he was no longer at the house, but at around 3 a.m. on January 17, he returned, breathless and with bruises on his chest.
When questioned, he claimed he was hit by a wooden object while hanging out with friends.
Out of 13 witnesses, 10 positively identified him as the last person seen with the victim.
The victim’s mother stated that her daughter had only stepped outside to use a coin-operated Wi-Fi service before she disappeared.
On January 17, the girl was found lifeless near a river, partially undressed.
Authorities continue to investigate as the victim’s family seeks justice.
