UP Ibalon Bicol: Mystery behind the death of Ted Failon’s wife

Mystery behind the death of Ted Failon’s wife

4/17/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post

It must be a challenge for investigators to know the truth behind the death of 45-year old Trinidad Arteche Etong, the wife of Ted Failon, a news anchor of ABS-CBN TV Patrol. It has been suggested that the woman died in her home’s bathroom from an alleged self-inflicted gunshot head wound--- presumably a case of suicide. The broadcaster was said to be in the TV studio when the incident occurred.

“Failon’s wife Trinidad Arteche Etong, 45, was declared dead by doctors of the New Era General Hospital at 8:50 last night. She had been in a coma and declared brain-dead after she sustained a bullet wound in her left temple after the shooting incident at 10:30 a.m. inside their house on 27 General Aquino street, Tierra Pura Subdivision in Tandang Sora, Quezon City.”--- Philstar (04/17/09, Padua, R)

It was reported that Etong and her husband had failed financial investments. Failon admitted having quarreled with her on money matters the night before.

It will take some time to reconcile the accounts of witnesses and forensic evidence, but early on, possibilities other than suicide are being considered by investigators.

There was a race to remove spattered blood in the bathroom where Trinidad was found before investigators could come to examine. In an act to tamper evidence, house helpers also cleaned the vehicle used to bring the bloodied lady to the hospital. Evaluation of the bullet trajectory posed questions as to whether the head wound was indeed self-inflicted.

Failon reportedly touched the gun thought to be used in the shooting. At one point, his family refused to allow investigators to see the scene of the incident. Though presumed innocent, the well-known broadcaster had been under close scrutiny.

Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) chief Persida Rueda-Acosta who temporarily acted as Failon’s lawyer said there was no direct evidence linking the TV anchor to the fatal shooting. However, Justice Secretary Gonzalez tasked the Bureau of Immigration to put Failon under its watch list in order to prevent him from leaving the country.

Shortly after Trinidad passed away in the hospital, obstruction of justice charges were filed versus Failon and his sister-in-law Pamela Arteche, and house helpers Pacifico Apacible, Carlota Morbos, Wilfreda Bolliser, and Glen Palan at the Quezon City prosecutor’s office. The bases of the accusation were Failon's failure to report the incident to the police and tampering of evidence by house helpers.

The way the shooting incident was handled by the Failon family suggested either gross ignorance in reporting a potential crime scene or an attempt at cover-up for reasons yet to be known. Initial investigation suggested less of the former and more of the latter.

It is less likely that those accused of obstruction of justice don't know the basics of handling this bloody incident. On the other hand, it's the duty of the police and investigators to come up with a truthful and credible account of what happened so that the case can rest with fair closure. (Photo Credit: Nyki_M) =0=

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Labels: broadcast, death, forensic investigation, gunshot, suicide, Ted Failon, Totie Mesia, Trinidad Etong, TV and radio

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Mystery behind the death of Ted Failon’s wife

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