Missing man found dead

The five-day search for Jesus Pinaula Rios came to an end this weekend after his decomposing body was found beneath scrub brush across the Happy Market grocery store in As Lito.

The Department of Public Safety reported over the weekend that the body of Rios, who had been missing for over a week, was found on Feb. 10 at 10am in a state of decomposition near a compound in As Lito.

“Preliminary investigations reveal that a witness who resides in the compound was mowing grass when he smelled the odor of what he initially thought was that of a decomposing dead animal. Witnesses decided to check on the two goats that belong to the family when he discovered a dead person in a state of decomposition. DPS was then notified of the discovery. Further investigations confirmed the identity of the deceased as Jesus P. Rios, who was reported missing last Feb. 5. DPS sends its thoughts and prayers to the family of Jesus P. Rios,” DPS’ report states.

At the scene, Saipan Tribune spoke with some witnesses who said that police found Rios’ body in the bushes just before the entrance to the compound.

“Earlier today, police were searching through the jungle. There was a body found there. We didn’t hear much about it, but police have been searching all day,” said a witness.

The witnesses who live in the area said they were not aware of anything suspicious leading up to the discovery of the dead body.

In a statement from assistant Chief of Police Simon Manacop, he said DPS’ Criminal Investigative Bureau continues to investigate the case but, as of press time, has not determined if there was any foul play.

“This case remains under investigation. Due to the decomposition of the body, DPS can’t determine if it was homicide. But there’s no evidence so far that suggests foul play,” he said.

Rios was a 67-year-old male who was residing in Finasisu when he went missing last Feb. 5.

According to reports, Rios was last seen at about 12pm on Feb. 5 by a family member who witnessed him go outside the home to smoke.