By: Eustoria Marie Borja
The Bureau of Public Safety is still investigating the suspected homicide of 51-year-old Tellames Johanes, who was found dead at the Koror State Animal Center on October 30. Director Curtis Elobt confirmed on November 18 that the autopsy, a crucial next step in the investigation, has yet to be conducted. “Dr. Roberts will be doing the autopsy here in Palau,” Elobt stated, adding that the process will commence soon, though no specific date has been set.
However, a family member revealed to Island Times that the cause of death has already been made known to them, despite official statements indicating otherwise. The family is now preparing for Johanes’s funeral, scheduled for Friday, November 22. His body will depart from the Palau Funeral Home at 6:30 a.m., with a service at Sacred Heart Church. He will be buried at Ngerbeched following the funeral.
Relatives have voiced concerns over how the situation has been handled, particularly regarding the lack of communication from authorities. A family member expressed deep frustration. “The cops were at the scene but never once did they even call the family to inform us of what happened, and they know the guy well,” the family member said. “We only found out because his wife randomly checked the hospital to see if he was there. Imagine the shock of finding out he was deceased in that way. Even the hospital didn’t know how to contact us, despite having medical records.”
The family described the experience as a traumatic ordeal. “It’s not easy to deal with something like this. To call the hospital and discover, out of nowhere, that your loved one is gone—that’s not something any family should have to go through.”
To date, no progress has been reported on the investigation. When asked about the status of the case, Attorney General Ernestine Rengiil said last week’s press conference that it is still under investigation and that her office will not know the details until the investigation is completed and transmitted to her office.