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Chinese tourist not found as search ends
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Posted on Jan 07 2005
The search for the missing tourist who reportedly drowned off Hidden Beach came to an end Thursday, with authorities unable to locate the individual.
Department of Public Safety spokesman Eric F. David said that the search conducted by the Boating Safety Section officers was extended one day at the request of the victim’s family, who arrived on Saipan shortly after hearing the news of their missing relative, 25-year-old Li Yong.
Li is the Commonwealth’s first drowning victim of the year.
On Sunday, Li was sightseeing with a group of Chinese tourists and tour guide Lu Yong Jian at Hidden Beach, located at the north side of Kingfisher Golf Links in Talafofo when he went missing.
At the beach, the guide and Li were walking along the cliff line when a large wave came and dragged the victim to sea, David said.
Jian sustained cuts to his palms and legs in his efforts to hold on to the rocks and not get swept away. He was brought to the Commonwealth Health Center for treatment.
Meanwhile, David said that police have recovered the airgun used in early Sunday morning’s fatal robbery incident at the J&C Poker in China Town.
He said the plastic airgun broke during a struggle between the suspect and the victim.
The suspect then used a sharp object to stab the 38-year-old victim, before fleeing with $7,000 in cash. The object, David said, was not found at the scene.
The victim died of several stab wounds and loss of blood. His identity has yet to be disclosed.
David said the suspect is considered armed and dangerous and anyone with information on his whereabouts is urged to contact the DPS Criminal Investigation Bureau at 664-9042 or the NMI Crime Stoppers tips line at 234-7272 or *11 from any Verizon Cellular phone (toll free from Tinian and Rota). Information may also be submitted through its website at www.nmicrimestoppers.com.
Crime Stoppers pay up to $1,000 cash for information leading to an arrest. All tips remain anonymous and caller ID is not used. (Shan Seman)
