POLICE are investigating the shocking discovery of business man Ramon Quitales’ dead body in his east Kola’a Ridge home last Friday.
Neighbours called fire fighters to the residence in the early hours of Friday when they realised heavy smoke coming out from the home.
Fire fighters arrived in time to put the fire off but were shocked when they entered one of the bed rooms to find Mr Quitales’ dead body on the bed.
Mr Quitales, a naturalized citizen of Philippines origin, was a well-known figure in local business and political circles.
He came here more than 10 years ago to work as a logging executive and had since remained here with his family.
But at his death last Friday, he was reportedly broke, lonely, and without his family.
A police source said fire fighters were able to put off the fire which was set alight in the living room.
“After they put the fire off and started checking the rooms, one of them was shocked to find Mr Quitales dead body with stab wounds below his chest,” the source said.
“Police believe this was a case of suicide but we are yet to complete full investigation.”
Friends of Mr Quitales told the Solomon Star the naturalized citizen was living alone since his wife left him to be with their children in New Zealand.
“Their two children are studying in New Zealand and Mr Quitales’ wife is with them,” a friend of Mr Quitales said.
Mr Quitales has spent a considerable length of time in the National Referral Hospital in Honiara last year after he fell ill with diabetes.
“Since he was discharged from the hospital, he returned and stayed at home.
“He was lonely and helpless. There’s no one looking after him. Only his close friends visit him from time to time to give him money and food.
“Early last week, he spoke to a friend about ending his life because he can no longer cope with his situation.
“We were all shocked when police found his dead body inside his bed room,” the family friend said.
Investigation into how the fire started and who started it is continuing.
Mr Quitales’s body was buried at the Kola’a Ridge cemetery last Saturday.
By GINA MAKA’A
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