Money caused the killing of a gay man in a condominium in Pasay City Saturday.
The suspect, Tsai Che Yu or Jason Lee, 23, a Chinese tourist, said that he accidentally killed Robert William R. Relly, alias “Ashley Ann,” 23, of Velasquez Ave., Mabalacat City, Pampanga because he was asking so much money.
“It happened (all so) fast. We (were) arguing because (he was) asking so much money. He told me “Give me P300,000.” I don’t know what for (but) I said “I don’t have that big money.” He was crazy,” said Lee in broken English.
Relly had asked P3,000 and another P4,000 from him days before the incident, Lee said.
“When I refused to give money, he got (a) knife. He was very angry, very crazy and he was swaying the knife while we argue. Then he tried (to) stab me,” said Lee.
Lee said that he managed to grab the knife but he was blinded by his anger and choked Relly before stabbing him in the neck.
“He was shouting, asking (me to) stop but I won’t listen. I was mad. And then I saw the knife, it was all an accident, very fast,” said Lee.
The suspect stuffed the victim in a luggage and left the condominium.
At around 4 a.m., Noli Manlolo, officer-in-charge of the condominium, was roving on the 11th floor when he noticed that the victim’s unit was open and saw blood splatter on the floor.
Manlolo informed the management and police and hours later, the body of Relly was discovered on Coastal Area of the Cavite Expressway in Bacoor City, Cavite in the luggage by a scavenger.
Lee was arrested by the Pasay police when he returned to the condominium, Senior Supt. Joel Doria, Pasay police chief, said.
Relly sustained a deep stab wound in the neck and had bruises all over his body. He was wearing a gold necklace and an earring on his right ear when his body was found.
The suspect he regrets killing the victim. “I’m sorry, really. My family didn’t know (what happened). I regret what happened, yes. To his family, I don’t know what I (can) say, just sorry,” said Lee.
Lee said that he arrived in the Philippines “sometime in April” and he had known Relly for a month.
Nestor Ifurung, lawyer of Lee, arrived at the Pasay City Jail yesterday to meet his client.
Police are now readying appropriate charges against Lee. (Martin A. Sadongdong)