3 Ballesteros murder suspects given more time to study case

A Superior Court judge has given the three suspects in the murder of security guard Efren Ballesteros more time to study the evidence that the prosecution had forwarded to them.

Presiding Judge Robert C. Naraja yesterday reset the status conference to Feb. 23 at 1:30pm. Chief prosecutor Kevin Lynch did not object to the suspects’ motion.

Bruce Berline, lawyer for Edward Blas, told the court that they need at least a month to evaluate the materials that were provided by the Attorney General’s Office a couple of days ago.

As for Eric Rabauliman’s motion to allow him to hire a private investigator to study the case, Naraja asked Rabauliman’s lawyer, Lillian Tenorio, to specify the areas that she wants the investigator to look into, citing the Judiciary’s limited budget.

The judge also granted Rabauliman’s request to attend an uncle’s funeral today. Naraja said Rabauliman must be accompanied by Corrections officers during the funeral.

In an interview with Saipan Tribune after the hearing, Lynch said he expects the defendants’ lawyers would want more time to review the case.

Lynch said the government has taken no position on the request for a private investigator as the law allows defense lawyers to seek help in looking into the case and properly advising their clients.

Lynch said the government also did not object to Rabauliman attending a funeral, leaving it up to the Department of Corrections to decide whether it has the manpower or time to escort the suspect.

The chief prosecutor said that by the Feb. 23 status conference, everybody should have the chance to look into the facts that were presented during the discovery process.

“They may or may not file motions by that time. Usually later on, if the case starts heading toward trial, the defense might file motions,” Lynch said.

Rabauliman, Blas, and Randy Igisomar, are being charged with murder in the first degree during the perpetration of burglary and or robbery. They all pleaded not guilty.

The 18-year-old Rabauliman is also facing two counts of burglary, one count of conspiracy to commit assault with a dangerous weapon and burglary, two counts of theft, and one count of assault with a dangerous weapon. He pleaded not guilty.

Lynch earlier disclosed that Blas and Igisomar would be charged with burglary, theft, and assault with a dangerous weapon in juvenile court because are both only 16 years old.

Chief Public Defender Adam Hardwicke is representing Igisomar in the murder case.

The charging information states that that on or about Nov. 17 or 18, 2008, Rabauliman, Blas, and Igisomar killed Ballesteros during the perpetration or attempted perpetration of burglary or robbery.

The chief prosecutor said Rabauliman conspired with one or more individuals to commit the crime.

Lynch said that Rabauliman also burglarized a classroom and the JROTC room at Marianas High School where he stole laptop computers, cash, and a JVC camcorder.

The Superior Court has imposed no bail for the three defendants, who are all students at MHS,

Ballesteros, 45, was found dead at the MHS campus in Susupe in the morning of Nov. 18, 2008. He sustained massive injuries to the face and head caused by blunt objects. He also suffered a possible fractured skull, police said.

Ballesteros’ wallet containing $300 cash and a wristwatch were reportedly stolen. He had two underaged children, including a five-month-old baby, on Saipan.