Injured	Killed
0	2

Date: 16 August 2010
Source: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/metro/view/20100816-287165/Jealous-man-kills-partner-then-self

MANILA, Philippines — Allegedly fed up with being cheated, a 45-year-old passenger jeepney operator smothered to death his common law wife before hanging himself inside their home early Monday in Manila.

Valentino Perez, 45, of 1760 F. Varona Street in Tondo, sent his suicide note through text message to his sister, alleging that he had “accidentally” killed his live-in partner Krisleen Celis, 25, whom he accused of cheating on him, and decided to end his own life.

Police Officer 3 Jay Santos of the Manila Police District (MPD) homicide section said that the bodies were discovered by Lilibeth Cruz, Perez’s sister, at around 12:20 a.m., on Monday, inside her brother’s house.

Santos pointed out that Perez had suffocated Celis with a pillow, while she was lying on a sofa, before hanging himself with a nylon bag strap.

Before the discovery, the case investigator said, Cruz received a text message in Filipino from Perez stating: “To my siblings, forgive me, I did not mean it. Len and I have many problems. I accidentally killed her. Ask dade (daddy) and mame (mommy) for forgiveness. Farewell to all of you. I am just so tired of the deceit I have been receiving. FORGIVE ME. Shai (his 5-year-old daughter) is in the room. Please go to her.”

Cruz immediately rushed to Perez’s house and found the bodies. Celis was lying lifeless on the living room sofa while Perez was hanging from the ceiling with a black bag strap looped around his neck.

Santos said that Cruz reported the discovery to the police. The case investigator stressed that before the alleged murder-suicide, Perez and Celis had been together for five years and had a daughter. The couple, witnesses said, almost separated in May after Perez accused Celis of having an affair but they nevertheless stayed together.

“Celis’ body showed no sign of external injury. We suspect that Perez had pressed down on her and smothered her with a pillow while she was sleeping on the sofa. His guilt over the death could have driven Perez to suicide,” the case investigator explained.

Both bodies were brought to the Funeraria Lorenzo for autopsy and safekeeping.