“When we think of a family, we think about love. Families are supposed to nurture us, support us, love us, and keep us safe. When that trust is broken, families are torn apart. Some victims have lost their lives at the hands of those they trusted and those they loved. Let us pray for these victims, their families, and those who are coping with the loss of their loved ones. More importantly, let us come together as a community to reach out and help the members of our Guamanian family who are going through difficult times.” —Governor Eddie Baza Calvo
Silent Witness Ceremony Honors Victims
At 4 p.m. this afternoon, Governor Calvo joined other island dignitaries at the Silent Witness Ceremony to honor the 26 victims who were killed as a result of domestic violence.
Recognizing the Signs of Domestic Violence
The Silent Witness Ceremony is an annual event where our island remembers the lives of those who lost their lives at the hands of their loved ones. These silent witnesses serve as an example for our community to recognize the signs of domestic violence in those we encounter. Together, we can help save lives.
If You Need Help, Call These Organizations
Real love doesn’t hurt. There are advocates on our island who can help you if someone you love is hurting you.
Alee Shelter |
648-4673 |
Healing Hearts Crisis Center |
647-8833 |
Sanctuary Incorporated |
475-7100 |
VARO |
477-5552 |
Attached are the faces and stories of those who lost their lives at the hands of those they trusted and loved. These images are taken from the memorial booklet the Unified Courts put together.
We extracted the profiles from this booklet, and print them below for clear reference as you read this.
Melissa Ann Quinata
June 18, 1961 — July 4, 1984
Melissa lived in Inarajan. She is the mother of three children and worked two jobs to support them. She was 23 years old when she was shot in the head by her husband as he drove them to his workplace.
Carlos Quitugua
May 29, 1946 — May 29, 1988
Carlos lived in a Maite apartment with his girlfriend. He was an only child. He died of cardiac arrest on his 42nd birthday. His girlfriend stabbed him multiple times in the chest and abdomen with a kitchen knife.
Lydia M.C. Aguon
March 2, 1968 — July 16, 1988
Lydia lived in Dededo. She is the mother of one, a daughter. She was only 20 years old when her ex-boyfriend shot and killed her.
Julie S. Salas
January 11, 1966 — October 1, 1988
Julie lived in Dededo. She had two young children. She was only 22 years old when she died from excessive bleeding after her boyfriend attacked her with a machete.
Melanie Cruz
October 19, 1972 — May 25, 1989
Melanie lived in Merizo. She was only 16 years old when she died from a gunshot. The bullet was intended for her friend, whose boyfriend had been stalking and threatening her.
Carmen Lizama
July 15, 1952 — July 2, 1989
Carmen lived in Barrigada. She is the mother of five children. She was 36 years old when she was shot and killed by her estranged boyfriend, who then committed suicide.
May Mendiola Manglona
May 31, 1951 — April 22, 1991
May lived in Malojloj. She is the mother of three children. She was 39 years old when her husband killed her with a shotgun before shooting and killing himself.
Anita Meno Castro
April 27, 1946 — September 7, 1991
Anita lived in Malojloj. She is a mother and a grandmother. Following a heated argument with her husband, he shot and killed her. She was 45 years old.
Dorissa Quinata Meno
October 19, 1981 — August 14, 1993
Dorissa lived in Dededo. She was a seventh grader at Dededo Middle School. She enjoyed basketball, swimming, and begin with her friends. She was fatally shot by her uncle when she was 12 years old.
Hans Charles Dela Cruz
April 20, 1974 – March 1, 1994
Hans lived in Toto. He was a son, an aspiring artist, and member of I Achuot Guahan Siha. He was stalked by his ex-girlfriend who stabbed him thirteen times. He was only 19 years old.
Karen Toves Evaristo
November 28, 1962 – April 13, 1996
Karen lived in Dededo. She was 33 years old when her husband stabbed her to death. He was convicted of first-degree murder and is serving a life sentence.
Therese Jean Cruz Criostomo
October 22, 1965 – September 29, 1997
Therese lived in Dededo. She was 31 years old when her ex-husband shot and killed her, their 7 year old daughter, and then killed himself. Therese devoted her life to helping and protecting others as a social worker and as a member of the Family Violence Task Force
Erica Misercordia Aquino
March 9, 1990 – September 29, 1997
Erica lived in Dededo with her mother. Erica had just started second grade at San Vicente Catholic School. She was only 7 years old when her father shot and killed her, her mother, and himself. Erica’s house, a visitation center for children is named in her memory.
June Arriola Sandbergen
June 29, 1967 – April 6, 1998
June was 30 years old and lived in Odot. She is the mother of three children. While attempting to end their relationship, June was stabbed by her boyfriend in her home.
Elaine Manibusan Sangalang
July 10, 1957 – July 14, 1999
Elaine lived in Dededo. She is the mother of three children. At a family barbeque in Liguan Terrace, her husband killed her and a fellow coworker with a shotgun. She was 42 years old.
Herman August Pangelinan Santos
July 17, 1988 – September 3, 1999
Hermie, 11 years old, was last seen riding his bicycle around his home in Ordot. Hermie was stabbed to death and his body was burned by his mother’s boyfriend. His charred remains were found in a pit in an abandoned ranch in Dededo.
Rowena Aujero
June 8, 1970 – November 30, 1999
Rowena was 29 years old and from Agat. She was a nurse at the GMH Labor and Delivery Unit. She had plans on relocating to Chicago to start a new life. Her husband stabbed her 57 times in front of their 6 year old son, who called 911.
Maria San Nicolas
September 22, 1976 — May 4, 2000
Maria lived in Tamuning. She was 23 years old when she was shot and killed by her estranged boyfriend, who then turned the gun on himself. Maria was described as independent and determined to accomplish her goals.
Lucia C. Maguadog
November 16, 1957 — February 26, 2001
Lucia, a nurse at SDA Clinic, was shot by her estranged husband at her workplace. She was 43 years old. Her husband shot and killed a fellow nurse, Bernadette Morena, who went to her aid. Four coworkers were wounded in the shooting rampage. Lucia is the mother of two sons and a daughter.
Gina L. Doan
July 19,1970 – June 24, 2003
Gina was 32 years old and had a 6-year-old daughter, Karen. She was a successful business owner. While arguing with her boyfriend, Gina was stabled multiple times. She died from alcerations to her abdomen, head, and arms.
Lourdes Constantino Mallo
May 26,1949 — October 1, 1999
Lourdes was a 50-year-old mother of three, working full-time in the private sector as an insurance agent. She died of multiple stab wounds inflicted by her estranged husband in their home in Santa Rita.
Katherine Concepcion Nauta
March 22, 1972 — August 4, 2003
Katherine died of suffocation as a result of a domestic dispute with her husband. She was 31 years old. She left behind two children.
Elise Shear Valenzuela
July 22, 1967 — November 10, 2003
Elise was 36 years old and living in Chalan Pago. She is survived by her daughter. She was stabbed by her husband at their home and died of multiple wounds to her chest and neck.
Donte Reyes
June 20, 2002 — April 15, 2006
Donte was 3 years old and living in Dededo. Donte was stabbed in the heart by his father. His one-year-old sister, Drelin, was also stabbed, but survived. Their father later took his own life. Donte is survived by his mother, and siblings.
Rachel Denise Babauta
April 7, 1979 — July 1, 2009
Rachel lived in Dededo. Rachel and her 13-year-old daughter were beaten to death by her boyfriend with a baseball bat, he then committed suicide. Rachel was 30 years old and loved to dance. She leaves behind a grieving family and her beloved son, Devin.
Teresita “Terry” Giauney Chiguina
Febraury 9, 1996 — July 1, 2009
Terry was 13 years old and lived in Dededo. She and her mother were beaten to death by her mother’s boyfriend with a baseball bat. According to her grandmother, Bernadita, Terry enjoyed video games and had dreams of joining the military.
End of Release