Cop found dead in Crame positive for gunpowder

Investigators looking into the death of Inspector Romelou Medina on Thursday conducted paraffin tests on her and 17 of her colleagues who were on duty around the time her body was found at the crime laboratory of the Philippine National Police (PNP) in Camp Crame.

Only one of them yielded positive results: Medina herself.

But according to Senior Superintendent Wilben Mayor, this result alone was not enough proof that Medina took her own life.

“Not yet, this is not conclusive. We are still getting statements and her cell phone is still being subjected to a forensic digital exam. We are still collating all evidence before we could make a conclusion and arrive at the truth,” Mayor said in a phone interview Friday.

Medina was found dead by another policewoman inside the PNP Crime Laboratory early Thursday morning with a gunshot wound on her right temple.

Found beside her body were her 9-mm service firearm and a bullet casing.

Mayor said 17 other officers who were on duty at the crime lab from 8 a.m. of October 30 to 8 a.m. of October 31—as well as Medina’s body—were subjected to a paraffin exam by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group.

All 17 policemen were negative for gunpowder nitrate residue. It was only Medina who had residue found on her right hand, Mayor said.

Serving in the PNP since 2003, Medina was promoted to inspector last year and was recently assigned to the Manila Police District crime lab. She was enrolled in a training program on crime investigation when found dead.

The mother of five was married to a security guard. Nikko Dizon