Suspect in rape and murder of beauty queen shot dead in police custody

Screen Shot 2017 07 24 at 11.08.47 AM
Murder rape suspect Elvin Juna in custody. Screenshot from News5
The man suspected of raping and murdering a beauty pageant contestant from Samal was shot in the head while attempting to escape custody yesterday (Monday, July 25).

Police say Elvin Juna was killed after he tried to grab the gun of a police officer. He was being taken to hospital at 4.30am after he had complained of stomach pains.

They also claim that the 20-year-old had been able to release his handcuffs using a length of wire before his escape attempt.

Juna was accused of the rape and murder of 19-year-old Kimberley Autida last week. Her body was found in a carabao puddle near her home in Adecor village on Wednesday afternoon.

Kimberley finished fourth runner-up in the Binibining Igacos beauty pageant last year.

Juna, a drug user who had previously surrendered under the “Oplan Tokhang” scheme, confessed to the crime after his jacket was found at the scene.

Initial investigations suggested that Juna attacked the Community Development student after she rebuffed his romantic advances.

Kimberly Autida
Scratches on Kimberley Autida’s body suggested she attempted to fight off her attacker
Speaking to the Inquirer, Samal police chief Asumen described how Juna complained of abdominal pains on Sunday night and asked to be taken to hospital.

“Actually, he had been complaining of stomach pain since 9pm on Sunday but since it was already late, our duty custodian asked him if he could wait and endure the pain until the morning.

“But when he started to make noises inside his cell at 4am, his custodian decided to bring him to the nearest hospital.”

He then said that Juna, while helped by two policemen to a board a vehicle, freed his handcuffs and made a grab for one of the officer’s gun.

“He attempted to run away but was shot by the other police escort. He died while being taken to a hospital,” Asumen said, adding the suspect was hit in the head.

He added that the policemen involved in the shooting were being investigated.