The following is a news release from the Guam Police Department:
Detectives with the Guam Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Section have successfully identified the suspects involved in the September 9, 2024, Death Investigation within 36 hours of launching the investigation.
On September 9, 2024, at 4:42 PM, officers from the Dededo Precinct Command responded to Chalan Kareta in Dededo, where a structure fire had occurred. After the fire was extinguished by the Guam Fire Department, charred human remains were discovered inside the residence. Upon confirmation of the suspicious findings, the Criminal Investigations Division took over the case.
The burned remains were identified as Ryan Chaco, 37 years old. An autopsy later revealed that Chaco had sustained multiple sharp force injuries to his neck and chest, and the Chief Medical Examiner ruled the death a homicide.
Through extensive investigative efforts—combining interviews, evidence collection, and follow-ups on multiple leads—detectives identified two suspects:
Eithen James Aquiningoc Mendiola and Frank Joseph Gumataotao Reyes Jr.
Both suspects confessed to their involvement in Chaco’s death and the subsequent destruction of evidence.
Eithen Mendiola admitted to stabbing Chaco in self-defense, claiming Chaco had attempted to strangle and sexually assault him.
Frank Reyes Jr. admitted to burning the remains and other evidence to conceal the incident.
On September 12, 2024, Eithen Mendiola was released pending the completion of the investigation, including a digital forensic analysis of the victim’s computer conducted by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). Reyes Jr. remained in custody due to an outstanding arrest warrant.
Following the completion of the forensic analysis, detectives pursued both suspects.
On October 14, 2024, Frank Joseph Gumataotao Reyes, Jr. was arrested for the following offenses:
Arson
Destroying Evidence
Obstructing Government Functions
Disinterring a Corpse
Criminal Facilitation
On October 15, 2024, Eithen James Aquiningoc Mendiola was arrested for the following offenses:
Aggravated Murder
Aggravated Assault
Use of the A Deadly Weapon in the Commission of a Felony
Destroying Evidence
Guilt Establish by Complicity
Both Frank Joseph Gumataotao Reyes, Jr. and Eithen James Acquiningoc Mendiola are confined to the Department of Corrections. The Case has been forwarded to the Attorney General’s Office for their information and prosecution.
