A 58-year-old man from Ngchesar has been charged with second-degree murder after allegedly stabbing and killing another man during a confrontation on the evening of May 10, according to police.
The suspect, Edwin Hideo, is accused of fatally stabbing 62-year-old Arius Mereb in Ngchesar State. A witness told police that Hideo picked up a knife at the home of the witness’s grandfather, walked toward Mereb, and tackled him despite efforts to stop him. The witness said Mereb moved away, holding his lower left abdomen and leaning against a wooden frame before collapsing. Hideo then reportedly walked away from the scene.
Mereb was taken to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 10:06 p.m. The medical report stated that he died from hypovolemic shock caused by heavy bleeding from multiple stab wounds.
Police located and arrested Hideo later that night around 11 p.m. at Bayside Bar. Investigators said he was wearing a yellow shirt, denim shorts, and slippers with visible blood stains. Blood was also found on his feet and forehead.
When questioned by police, Hideo claimed he acted because “he [Mereb] came at me with a knife,” authorities said.
The case remains under investigation as police continue to interview potential witnesses. Hideo is currently being held at Koror Jail pending his arraignment.