Overview:
Police are investigating the death of a 31-year-old woman found near her home in Ngaraard on May 19. The case was reported as self-harm and authorities say the investigation remains open to rule out other possibilities.
By: L.N. Reklai
KOROR, Palau — A 31-year-old Palauan woman from Ngaraard was found dead on May 19 in what authorities believe may have been a case of self-harm.
According to a police report, officers responded to a call at approximately 10 a.m. reporting an unresponsive woman at a residence in Ngebuked, Ngaraard.
The deceased was identified as Yvette Beketaut, who had recently returned to Palau from the United States in April. Family members said she had been living in Seattle, Washington, and had struggled with alcohol-related issues before returning home.
Police said preliminary observations at the scene indicated that Beketaut may have died by hanging. Family members had covered her body with a white sheet before officers arrived.
According to the report, Beketaut’s mother told investigators that her daughter had gone out the night before to drink with neighbors. The following day, while walking behind the family home, she discovered her daughter hanging from the betel nut tree and alerted authorities.
Police said the investigation remains ongoing as officers continue gathering information to determine the exact cause of death and rule out any other possible circumstances surrounding the incident.
Authorities have not released additional details pending the completion of the investigation.