Stabbing leaves Tamuning family shocked

by Nick Delgado

Police are trying to track down several leads in connection with a home invasion that occurred yesterday in Tamuning.  Family members are pleading with the public to help locate those responsible.

"My son is skinny and they are big guys," said Joey Lopez.  "[A] couple of guys hurt him, they beat him up, tied him and drag him. I just hope they find those people, because they will not stop. They will not stop."  Lopez is frustrated that police have yet to find the two men responsible for attacking his 24-year-old son JB in their residence Thursday afternoon.

Lopez says he feared for his son's life after receiving a call about the attack. He says his son was blind folded, and hands were tied behind his back while he listened to the suspects yelling, along with the landlord, Kun Rhee, begging while was being stabbed.

G4S security guard Rizalina Arrabis from a nearby complex heard all the commotion, recalling, "I saw this man putting pressure on his stomach, and apparently he was stabbed. He was using a piece of cloth to counter the flow of blood. So I called the police."

Lopez says they took several items worth about $1,000.  He recalls coming home to police cars and an ambulance in front of his home, adding, "That's when I started, I want to find these people. I would say not to get even; I want to get rid of them. I don't mind saying that. They don't deserve to stick around here whoever those people are."

While Lopez's son was treated and released from the Guam Memorial Hospital, Rhee is now listed in stable condition in the Hospital's Surgical Unit. And police continue to ask the public for their help.

"The case is still undergoing further investigation," said Officer Harrilee Matsumoto with the Guam Police Department's Tamuning-Tumon Precinct.  "And if anybody has any possible leads or has any information, they can feel free to call Guam Crimestoppers at 477-HELP (4357)"

Lopez added, "It's a mixed emotions [sic]. You're really upset and mad, it's all there. We're mad, we just to fight back. I just hope they find them. "