Authorities have arrested the fourth suspect in the killing of a 19-year-old student during an alleged robbery in Tagum City, Davao del Norte.

The suspects were identified through CCTV footage from a neighbor’s security camera, which showed the suspects passing by the victim’s house repeatedly a day before the incident on July 9, 2025.

The victim, Sophia Marie Coquilla, was found dead inside her bedroom with up to 38 stab wounds after the suspects allegedly broke into her home.

The first three suspects, all minors aged 17, 15, and 14, were arrested in Barangay Mankilam, Tagum City.

According to the caretaker of the boarding house where the suspects were staying in Barangay Mankilam, the group began renting a unit on June 6, 2025 along with the live-in partners of two suspects.

One of the renters was reportedly confided in by the suspects, who admitted that they had killed someone.

“Nga nakapatay lagi daw sila, lalaki daw ilang napatay. Mao to gi-confirm sa iyang gikumpisalan og lalaki ba gyud. Unya pag-adto babae man, mao to gitawagan nila ang (pulis), gipadakop na sila,” the caretaker of the boarding house said.

During a follow-up operation, the fourth suspect, a resident of Caraga, Davao Oriental, was arrested in Barangay Agdao Proper, Davao City midday on Sunday, July 13, 2025.

Seized from his possession was a caliber .38 revolver with two bullets.

The first three suspects underwent inquest proceedings for the robbery with homicide charges.

With all four suspects now in custody, police have declared the case closed.

Authorities also expressed gratitude to the public for their cooperation and assistance during the investigation.

“Sama sa ubang krimen nga nahitabo dinhi sa atong probinsya dili gayud kami muundang hangtod mahatagan og hustisya ang biktima,” Davao del Norte Police Provincial Office Director, Col. Alexander Serrano Jr., said.

The City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) said that all three minor suspects acted with discernment, which means they understood the criminal nature of their actions.

“Ang result sa ilang discernment tanan siya superior so kaning nga bataa including the 14 years old acted with discernment,” CSWDO Social Worker Officer IV, Hosna Donawal, said.

Police said the three minor suspects could be charged. However, the 14-year-old suspect cannot be held liable criminally under the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act (RA 9344).

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) will take custody of the minor suspects while their cases are suspended.

In light of this case, lawmakers are urged to review and amend the juvenile justice law.

“Maybe we take into consideration especially the heinous crimes like rape involving…the respondent is minor, murder, homicide and  robbery tan awon nato ug i-check kung okay pa ba ang mga procedure nga i-follow,” WCPD Officer, Major Anjanette Tirador, said.

(With reports from Jandi Esteban, GMA Regional TV One Mindanao)