Man who allegedly killed celebrity makeup artist in 2017 arrested

Image for illustration purposes only. Photo: Pixabay
Image for illustration purposes only. Photo: Pixabay

Authorities arrested yesterday the primary suspect in the killing of a celebrity makeup artist in 2017 in Dasmariñas City, Cavite province.

The suspect was identified as John Rondolf Ruperto, 25, who resides at General Trias City, Cavite, The Philippine Daily Inquirer reported.

Chief Supt. Edward Carranza, director of the Calabarzon police, said that joint teams from both the regional police intelligence unit and the Cavite police arrested the suspect in Barangay (Village) Langkaan 2 at 10:30am.

Ruperto was one of the three suspects in the killing of 33-year-old Dindo Malig, a makeup artist who used to work with celebrities like actor Alden Richards and Miss Universe Philippines 2016 Maxine Medina.

Malig was found dead at a grass patch about 200 meters away from his house in November 2017, GMA News reported.

His skull was smashed with a hammer and his body had several stab wounds. Authorities also found the hammer that was used to kill him left near his body. The victim was allegedly robbed before his body was dumped at the grassy patch, ABS-CBN reported.

Ruperto, as well as other suspects, had a drinking session with Malig at his home before he died, according to the police investigation.

Ruperto said that he was forced to hit Malig.

He told ABS-CBN News in Filipino: “He (Malig) wanted a taste of me. He wanted something to happen between us. I was really drunk, [so] I was forced to hit him.”

One of the suspects, a minor, earlier surrendered to police and identified Ruperto, Inquirer reported.

Authorities also found that Ruperto had allegedly stolen PHP400,000 (US$7,669.23) from his aunt in the past.

He said he needed the money to buy illegal drugs. He told ABS-CBN News: “I was trying to change that time, but when my friend invited me to take drugs again, I went back to my old self.”

Ruperto will face charges of robbery with homicide and qualified theft, the report added. Authorities are still investigating if he is also involved in other crimes.

Police are still looking for the remaining suspect.



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