Marvin Vargas has been found guilty of the murder of his wife, Mary Grace, a nurse who was employed at Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH).
Despite the conviction, the court did not hand down a sentence today. Following a request from the defence to defer sentencing, the presiding judge scheduled the sentencing hearing for July 1.
Marvin was convicted of the charge of intentional homicide. His alleged mistress, Haleemath Lamha, also faces charges in connection with the case. Lamha is charged with complicity in the murder, as well as the unauthorized exercise of control over another person’s property.
The additional charges against Lamha are linked to allegations that she misappropriated dangerous prescription medications from IGMH without authorization.
Both Marvin and Lamha have denied all charges and presented defence witnesses during the trial.
They were both employed as nurses at IGMH, the same hospital where the victim, Mary Grace, worked.
Marvin and Lamha served as nurses in the hospital's casualty department. They were believed to be involved in a romantic affair. Marvin and Mary Grace are Filipino nationals. Divorce remains legally prohibited in the Philippines.
Although Marvin first reported that Mary Grace had committed suicide by hanging on October 19, 2021, police continued their investigation due to suspicious circumstances surrounding the death.
He was arrested on suspicion of murder on October 27, 2021. Lamha was taken into custody 50 days later, on December 16, 2021.
