A 25-year-old who recently won a Miss Gay pageant in Batangas was found dead after being stabbed 13 times in Lipa City on Saturday, August 9. The victim was identified as Jericho Elliorante.
According to police investigation, CCTV footage showed a tricycle passing near the area at around 12:30 a.m. A few minutes later, a man was seen peeking into the alley, approaching the victim's body, and taking his wallet. With the help of residents, the suspect, “Paul,” 26, a cook who lives near the scene, was quickly identified and arrested.
The suspect admitted that he stabbed the victim after he allegedly touched her while they were riding a tricycle together. He also said that he took the victim to their house, but when they got there, he stabbed her. Jericho's family does not believe the suspect's statement, insisting that he was kind and respectful.
Authorities found the empty wallet on the lawn where the suspect had thrown it. It was also learned that he had just been released from a rehabilitation center in May after being declared unfit for treatment.
Paul is facing a murder case and is currently detained at the Lipa City Detention Center.
