Previous Story
DPS to send pictures of Marpi remains, other items to Guam
|
Posted on Feb 02 2009
The Department of Public Safety’s Criminal Investigation Bureau will be sending to Guam chief medical examiner Dr. Aurelio Espinola the photos of the skeletal remains that were found in Marpi last Jan. 24.
DPS spokesperson Lei Ogumoro said yesterday that the officer-in-charge informed her that photographs of the remains and some pieces of evidence will be forwarded to Guam for Espinola to review.
Ogumoro said CIB investigators want to know Espinola’s opinion on the cause of death.
As to the identification of the remains, CIB’s acting commander, Sgt. Sylvan Rangamar, said yesterday that he has not received any update from the officer in charge of the case.
Rangamar told Saipan Tribune last week that the remains are “presumptive positive” as of that of missing Filipino surveyor, Alex M. Matubis, based on the driver’s license and wedding ring recovered from the remains.
Chief Prosecutor Kevin Lynch stated last week that the Attorney General’s Office would consult Espinola to determine the cause of death.
Even though it’s been reported that the remains are just bones, Lynch said that would not end the inquiry.
“There’s still a lot of scientific examination that is possible. So once we get some facts from DPS, we will consult with [Espinola] regarding what’s the next best step in the investigation,” Lynch said.
Saipan Tribune learned that the remains are being secured in the CIB’s evidence room while investigation is still ongoing.
The 47-year-old Matubis has been reported missing since July 30 last year. His company pickup truck was found abandoned near Kalabera Cave last Aug. 19.
The remains were found near a cow fence in a secluded farm that is located about a 10-minute drive west of Kalabera Cave, according to DPS.
