CEBU CITY, Philippines (October 7, 2025)— A 43-year-old public school teacher was reportedly stabbed to death by her live-in partner during an argument inside their home in Sitio Sambag, Barangay Tubod, Minglanilla, Cebu late Monday night, October 6.
The victim, identified as Melanie Lee Lastimosa, succumbed to multiple stab wounds. The suspect, Katherine Arcilla Retita, 42, a jobless resident of the same area, was taken into police custody following the incident.
Police said the couple, who were known to frequently quarrel, got into a heated dispute around 11:25 p.m. after their dog escaped through their gate. Retita, reportedly intoxicated, retrieved the dog but later became violent and threatened Lastimosa with a knife.
Fearing for her safety, Lastimosa locked Retita out of the house and called the police. However, Retita allegedly tricked her way back inside by claiming she had been bitten by a snake. Out of concern, Lastimosa opened the door, and the altercation escalated until Retita stabbed her multiple times.
Responding officers found Lastimosa lying in a pool of blood near the gate of their home. The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) medical team, the only emergency responders available at the time, immediately provided assistance.
Police later broke into the locked home and arrested Retita, who was hiding in a bedroom. She was informed of her rights and is now detained at the Minglanilla Police Station while authorities prepare charges against her.
Investigators recovered two bloodied kitchen knives believed to have been used in the attack. Lastimosa was pronounced dead upon arrival at the Minglanilla District Hospital at 12:50 a.m. on Tuesday, October 7. Her family waived further autopsy, and police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding her death.