The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) revealed on Sunday that an autopsy performed on beauty pageant contestant Geneva Lopez and her Israeli boyfriend Yitshak Cohen confirmed they each sustained two gunshot wounds.
Autopsy Findings
NBI Director Jaime Santiago detailed the autopsy results during an interview on Super Radyo dzBB. “Okay, the NBI conducted an autopsy and we already have results,” Santiago said.
- Geneva Lopez: The autopsy showed that Lopez had gunshot wounds on her back, with one bullet exiting through her chest, and another on her thigh.
- Yitshak Cohen: Cohen had gunshot wounds to his chest, with one bullet exiting through his back, and another near his armpit.
Santiago confirmed, “So both of them received two shots each.”
A bullet slug was found in Lopez’s body and will be submitted for ballistics examination.
Investigation Progress
The bodies of Lopez and Cohen were discovered in a vacant lot within a quarry site in Barangay Sta. Lucia, Capas, Tarlac on Saturday morning. Santiago affirmed that relatives identified the bodies based on their clothing and body marks.
Despite the decomposition, Santiago stated, “The family recognized them by their clothes and marks on their body.”
Land Dispute as a Possible Motive
Santiago indicated that a land dispute might be the motive behind the crime. “Parang away sa lupa eh, parang ganon,” he said, suggesting that the issue could be related to land.
Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos mentioned that two suspects, who are police officers on absence without leave, are now in custody. Santiago noted that evidence against these suspects is strong.
The search at the quarry site was conducted following a warrant issued by the Tarlac City Regional Trial Court Branch 111 on July 5, 2024.
International Response
The Israeli Embassy expressed condolences and confirmed it would assist in repatriating Cohen’s remains to Israel. Meanwhile, Lopez’s remains have been cremated, and her wake is being held in Minalin, Pampanga.