The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has revealed that Pampanga beauty queen Geneva Lopez and her Israeli boyfriend, Yitzhak Cohen, both sustained two gunshot wounds each, leading to their deaths before being buried in Capas, Tarlac.
According to Pilipino Star Ngayon’s report, the NBI’s autopsy report found that Lopez, 27, suffered a gunshot wound to her chest, which exited through her back, and another wound on her thigh.
On the other hand, Cohen, 37, was shot in the chest, with the bullet exiting through his back, and had another wound under his armpit.
Lopez’s remains were cremated yesterday. In photos shared by ABS-CBN News, the deceased beauty queen’s favorite necklace and engagement ring were placed near her urn.
Yitzhak had lived in Angeles City for seven years and was planning to marry Lopez, PSN reported.
The government is coordinating with the Israeli Embassy in Manila to assist Cohen’s family in repatriating his body to Israel.
Furthermore, the discovery of their bodies was made possible after an SUV driver surrendered and led authorities to the burial site in a quarry in Brgy. Sta. Lucia, Capas, Tarlac, last Saturday.
Major General Leo Francisco, Director of the PNP-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), announced a breakthrough in the investigation following the SUV driver’s confession.
The driver, identified only as Jess, named two former police officers allegedly involved in the crime.
Francisco stated that Jess, considered a person of interest, surrendered due to guilt and disclosed the burial location of Lopez and Cohen, who had been missing for two weeks.
The two ex-cops, who were Absent Without Official Leave (AWOL), reportedly hired Jess and are now in custody. One was arrested for illegal possession of firearms.
Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos confirmed that the ex-policemen are under CIDG custody and are being investigated.
PNP Public Information Office Chief Col. Jean Fajardo mentioned that five more individuals are considered persons of interest in the couple’s murder.
Information obtained from Cohen’s brother, posted on Israeli news site Ynet, indicated that Yitzhak had lent money to a man whose mother was ill.
The debtor allegedly failed to repay the loan, instead promising land as collateral, which is suspected to have been part of a scam leading to the tragic crime.
