DPS executes warrants in Marpi hit-and-run

Exactly a week since the body of a 20-year-old woman was found lifeless on the shoulder of Route 30 in Marpi, the Department of Public Safety has executed warrants and taken possession of the vehicles believed to have been involved in the incident.

In a statement from DPS yesterday, persons of interest have been questioned and warrants have been issued, allowing DPS to take possession of vehicles that could have been involved in the fatal hit-and-run that claimed the life of Sophia Patricia Aldan Demapan.

“DPS and its officers continue to work diligently on this case. Investigators have questioned persons of interest involved in this case and, after following up on the numerous leads and information given through the interviews, call-ins, or anonymous tips, investigators were able to execute warrants critical to the case. DPS has since taken possession of the vehicle(s) believed to be involved in this incident and continues to follow up on any information relating to this incident that took place on the night of July 27, 2021,” the statement said.

The case remains under investigation. DPS said more information and updates will be given at a later time, reportedly “in an effort to prevent any possibility of jeopardizing the case.”

Saipan Tribune learned from a credible source yesterday that an autopsy will be conducted on the deceased this Friday.

For those who may still have information on the case, DPS is encouraging them to report it to the department. For those who want to remain anonymous, contact the CNMI Crime Stoppers hotline at 234-7272.

Meanwhile, the family of Demapan continues to search for answers with its “JusticeForSophia” movement. Demapan’s loved ones have posted numerous videos and have dedicated dozens of posts about the deceased and are urging the community to share any information they have on what happened that night.

The videos and posts have garnered hundreds of likes and shares as the CNMI community shows their support for the grieving family.

According to Saipan Tribune archives, Demapan’s body was found by a person who was driving home at around 9pm last Tuesday and had noticed her body on the shoulder of Route 30 in Marpi. The caller immediately stopped to help and called the police for assistance.

At the scene, police noticed tire marks near where they found the unresponsive female. Department of Fire and Emergency Medical Services responders saw multiple lacerations and deformities on the female’s body. In addition, the officers also noticed that she sustained multiple fractures and severe injuries to her head.

They transported the woman to the Commonwealth Health Center where she was pronounced dead at 1am.