Jealousy triggers man to kill teenage live-in partner

A police officer recovers a kitchen knife allegedly used by a 21-year-old man in killing his 19-year-old live-in partner at a banana plantation in Barangay Old Sagay, Sagay City, Negros Occidental Friday. (Photo courtesy of Sagay City Police Station)

By Glazyl Y. Masculino

BACOLOD City – A 19-year-old girl was stabbed dead by her 21-year-old live-in partner due to jealousy in Barangay Old Sagay, Sagay City, Negros Occidental last Friday.

Police Lieutenant Abundio Diaz, deputy police chief of Sagay City Police Station, said Marijo Adolfo was found by her mother lifeless in a banana plantation, a few meters away from her house.

Diaz said Adolfo succumbed to multiple stab wounds. A kitchen knife was recovered near her body.

Police arrested the victim’s live-in partner, Kent Joseph Katalbas in his house after he was identified as the suspect in the crime.

“Makita man sa iya na duguan siya kag may pilas sa kamot kag tiil pagkadto sang police sa iya balay,” Diaz said.

However, Diaz said they did not know how the couple ended up at the banana plantation and if there was a commotion or argument prior to the killing, as Katalbas refused to talk when asked about the said incident.

Thus, police could not also elaborate further on the motive of jealousy.

“Indi siya ma istorya kay wala gid siya gasabat,” he said.

Diaz said the couple has two children, but he has no idea how long their relationship was.

A murder charge will be filed against Katalbas who is detained at the police station.