HAGÅTÑA (The Guam Daily Post) — The victim of a homicide in Sånta Rita-Sumai last month was identified as Edwin Babauta Pirando, a 54-year-old man from Hågat.
On Oct. 15, the lifeless body of a man was found by the Atantano Shrine in Sånta Rita-Sumai, resulting in the Guam Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Division launching a death investigation.
Since the start of the investigation, the identity of the man remained unknown, until GPD on Thursday evening issued a press release announcing the identity of the victim.
Pirando was assessed by Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Jeffrey Nine on the scene, revealing several injuries to Pirando’s face and head consistent with blunt-force trauma. Nine conducted an autopsy on Oct. 17.
Although the results of the autopsy have not been released officially, detectives were able to identify Pirando through his next of kin.
“Our deepest condolences go out to the family and friends affected by this heartbreaking loss,” GPD stated.
Open investigation
During the investigation, police identified Jamie John Nededog as a suspect after they learned Pirando was driving a dark gray 2012 Toyota pickup and a witness told police Nededog had spoken about a pickup with blood inside it.
The truck, which was unaccounted for, was later found parked by Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church and school area.
Nededog was subsequently arrested on suspicion of murder, reckless conduct, theft of property, use of a deadly weapon in the commission of a felony, disinterring a corpse, destroying evidence, theft of a motor vehicle and aggravated assault.
However, after being booked and confined at the Department of Corrections days after Priando’s body was found, he was not charged in the Superior Court of Guam, meaning Nededog was released.
Attorney General Douglas Moylan at the time told The Guam Daily Post, after reviewing the information provided by police, that prosecutors chose not to file charges.
As of Thursday, GPD stated the homicide investigation remains ongoing.
“If you have any information that could aid in our investigation, please do not hesitate to contact the Guam Police Department. Your information, no matter how small it may seem, please contact police dispatch at 671-475-8615 through 8617,” GPD stated.
The Atantano Shrine is seen in Sånta Rita-Sumai on Friday, Oct. 20, 2023. About a month ago, police discovered the lifeless body of 54-year-old Edwin Babauta Pirando before launching a death investigation.
