Police searching for death investigation suspect

The Guam Police Department announced during a press conference this afternoon they are searching for the prime suspect in a death investigation they believe involves foul play. Police Chief Steve Ignacio says he wouldn’t have called a press conference on short notice if it wasn’t important.

"We have been actively searching for him since information was made available and leads were developed through the course of this investigation," he said.

Police are hoping the community will come forward with information as to the whereabouts of Ronat (aka, "Ronato") Chutaro. He is believed to be the prime suspect in a stabbing – turned fatal—that occurred on December 8 outside an apartment complex in Tamuning.

"On December 14 we were notified that the victim, Mr. Arthur Wakuk, had passed away," the chief continued to detail. GPD has already taken one person into custody and remains confined DOC, but the main focus is to find Chutaro.

 

"We have been searching his known locations including Hemlani’s Apartments behind Docomo headquarters, Heritage apartments in Dungca , RC apartments in Dungca in Tamuning area at times we believe he does not have a permanent address 257 and he may be a homeless person as well, and he hangs along the beaches in east Hagatna, Tamuning and Tumon village area," said Ignacio.

Chutaro has a criminal history.  He was released from the Department of Corrections four months ago after spending two years behind bars for Robbery, Aggravated Assault, Use of a Deadly Weapon in the Commission of a Felony, Assault against a Peace Officer, Rioting, Disorderly Conduct, Criminal Mischief, Resisting Arrest, Public Drunkenness, and Jurisdiction Over an Adult.

Prior to that, he was spent time at DOC various times between 2013 through 2015 on different charges including burglary, theft of a motor vehicle, criminal mischief and disorderly conduct.

"The important thing to note is Mr. Chutaro is wanted and to anybody out there that has information out there we ask that you call the Guam Police Department at 472-8911, Crime Stoppers or we have set up a mobile phone that we are now using at a command post that we’ve erected so that we can gather information. That number for the command post is 899-0566," he said.

GPD urges the community not to approach Chutaro but instead contact them immediately and for anyone who may be helping him elude police the chief has this stern warning: "You will be held accountable and you will be charged and prosecuted by  the Attorney General of Guam."

GPD can’t officially classify the case as a homicide until an autopsy is conducted which could be anywhere between two to four weeks until a forensic pathologist arrives on island.