Brothers in Mangilao machete case apologize, sentenced
The two brothers found guilty by a jury and convicted of various felony charges related to terrorizing, criminal mischief and aggravated assault were sentenced this afternoon. Jordan Rachulap was sentenced to a term of 12 years in prison, a parole term of
By KUAM News“I forgive him for whatever he has done to me and my family. He has a future ahead of him, I just want to ask for a lenient sentence upon him.” That’s what Erson Reselap the victim in the Mangilao machete attack case said as he took the bench for the first time, for a brief moment to forgive his cousin Emmanuel Reselap for cutting him with a machete.
In June 2019, Emannuel and his brother Jordan Rachulap were arrested for using machetes and rocks to attack innocent victims driving by university drive after a fight unfolded in the parking lot of New Best Store.
The two brothers were found guilty by a jury and convicted of various felony charges related to terrorizing, criminal mischief and aggravated assault.
During this afternoon’s sentencing hearing in Judge Vern Perez’s courtroom, the government asked for significant time in jail of 46 years for 19-year-old Emmanuel Reselap and 15 years for 25-year-old Jordan Rachulap. Assistant attorney general sean brown said this request is on basis of community safety.
Emmanuel and Jordan addressed the court, saying sorry to all of Guam and their Micronesia community they feel their actions have put in a bad light.
The mother of the brothers, Neima Reselap, who has sat behind her sons from their very first court appearance, also spoke out in court for the first time. She said “I want to show myself here I want to be present here in this courtroom on behalf of my sons. I would like to apologize to you, your honor and to the Guam community.”
And on behalf of the government one of the initial victims to come forward following the incident was Judith Gutherz, she testified and described the terror she felt that day of the attack.
It was her testimony, Judge Perez reflected on while announcing the sentence terms. As she was not the only victim sitting in their cars in tremendous fear on June 4.
Jordan Rachulap was sentenced to a term of 12 years in prison, a parole term of 6 years and a fine of $3,000.
As for Emmanuel Reselap he was sentenced to a term of 24 years in prison, a parole term of six years and a fine of $5,000.