Retired Australian cop accused of murder after girlfriend found hanged

Australian murder suspect
Jamie Mathew Flanagan, aged 53, and his live-in partner Desiree Mañoso, 25. She was found hanged in the bedroom of their home in Subic on Sunday. Later investigations, however, suggested that she was dead before being hanged.

A former Australian police sergeant has been arrested on suspicion of killing his girlfriend at the home they shared in Subic.

Jamie Mathew Flanagan, aged 53, a resident of Santa Monica Subdivision, is now in police custody facing homicide charges.

Police were first called to the couple’s home on Sunday (July 21) after his live-in partner, Desiree Mañoso, 25, had reportedly committed suicide. She was found hanged in their bedroom using three neckties. 

However, later that same day, a police autopsy found evidence that she was already dead before being hanged. 

Officers then returned to the house to arrest Flanagan, a native of Newcastle, New South Wales.

According to a report in The Inquirer, police said relatives had told them that the couple had a “heated argument” the night before the incident.

Flanagan, who has denied the accusations against him, is now under police custody while a case of homicide is prepared against him.

On Sunday, the suspect updated his Facebook profile picture to show a smiling portrait alongside Ms Mañoso. This elicited several messages of condolence and support. 

One friend, another Australian living in Subic, wrote: “We are behind you. MATE we will get this shit sorted.” Another said: “Be strong Jamie it will sort itself out so so sorry for your loss m8.”

According a self-penned biography, Flanagan moved to the Philippines in 2017 after struggling with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder brought on by his experiences in the police force. 

He had a one-year-old daughter with Ms Mañoso, and also described himself as a father to her two children from a previous relationship.

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