DAVAO CITY (June 20 ) — A 37-year-old member of the LGBTQIA+ community was found dead inside her home in Purok 2C, Barangay Katangawan, General Santos City, on Thursday afternoon, June 19.
The victim, identified as Ronnel Rivera, also known to neighbors and friends as ‘Cathy,’ had reportedly not been seen for three days. Concerned neighbors investigated after noticing a foul odor coming from Cathy’s residence.
Responding police officers discovered Cathy’s body inside the house, already in an advanced state of decomposition.
Initial investigation revealed no signs of forced entry. Authorities found Cathy’s cellphone and a sachet of suspected shabu along with drug paraphernalia beside the body.
Police have yet to determine the exact cause of death. An investigation is ongoing.