The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) charged the minor named “Tagoy,” Nestor Padura, and three other unidentified suspects.

The NBI headed by Regional Director Mario Sison also charged the suspects with frustrated murder for beating up Mejica’s companion, 19-year-old Vincent Dave Gelito.

Gelito was Mejica’s companion prior to the incident. It was Gelito who told barangay officials after he was found that Mejica was taken by the suspects. He was rushed to the hospital due to the severe injuries that he sustained.

Mejica was later found half-naked at a grassy lot in Funda Dalipe. She had injuries at the back of her head and her temple. She died a few hours later after she was admitted to the hospital.

This recent development was an offshoot of the NBI investigation confirming that Mejica was raped contrary to the earlier claims by the police here that there’s no evidence that the victim was raped.

DNA samples taken from Mejica’s body and that of the self-confessed suspect matched.

The suspect, who was earlier arrested and turned-over to the Department of Social Welfare and Development Office, was released because there are no warrant yet for his arrest.

The suspect denied raping Mejica but admitted mauling Gelito alone because of personal grudge. He said he killed Mejica so there will be no witness.