BAGUIO CITY — A Regional Trial Court in Baguio City has convicted a 27-year-old man known only by the alias “Carla” of murder in connection with the killing of a 34-year-old LGBTQ+ individual in Barangay Fairview earlier this year.

The court sentenced the accused to an indeterminate prison term of 10 years and four months as minimum to 17 years and four months as maximum.

The victim, identified only by the alias “Ariel,” a native of Tacloban City, Leyte, was found dead inside a rented house in Purok 2, Barangay Fairview, on 8 March.

Police said the crime came to light after a nearby store owner noticed a foul odor coming from the victim’s apartment on 6 March and again the following day. Concerned that the victim had not been seen for several days, the witness informed the property owner and barangay officials.

Using a duplicate key, two barangay council members, the landlord and other witnesses entered the unit, where they found bloodstains on the floor and walls and the victim’s body lying on the floor, covered with garbage bags and clothing. Authorities were immediately alerted.

Police Major Harriet Bulcio, commander of Baguio City Police Office Station 1, said investigators built a strong circumstantial case against the accused.

A witness reportedly saw the suspect asking for directions to the victim’s residence before the killing. Investigators also recovered Facebook messages showing communication between the victim and the accused prior to the incident.

Police records further showed that the two had previously been detained together following their arrest in January 2026 for alleged violations of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act.

Investigators also cited statements from neighbors who saw an unfamiliar man heading toward the victim’s residence and another witness who observed the accused leaving the area in haste shortly after the crime.

Police said robbery was established as the primary motive after the victim’s cellphone, cash and laptop were found missing from the rented house.

The conviction capped months of investigation built largely on circumstantial evidence that prosecutors successfully presented before the court.