Filipino student, 19, stabbed 38 times in brutal killing in own home, 4 arrested

A Filipino university student, 19, was found with 38 stab wounds on her body in the family residence in Tagum City, Phillippines on Jul. 9, 2025.

Sophia Marie Coquilla was found dead in her own bedroom lying in a pool of blood, in what is currently suspected to have started out as a robbery, reported GMA News.

Arrests

Four suspects have been arrested.

The fourth arrest was a young adult who is suspected to have led the break-in at her house.

He was also reportedly carrying an unlicensed firearm.

According to Rappler, a group of youths had been seen near the Coquilla residence.

Based on initial investigations, police said since the victim had seen the suspects' faces, they "decided to kill her out of fear of being caught."

Several of Coquilla's belongings were taken, including a laptop, a computer, a cell phone, a tablet, and a watch.

Her alma mater mourned her passing, saying her "kindness, brilliance, and gentle spirit touched many", further adding that her loss was felt across "our university community".

According to Rappler, her murder has intensified calls to revisit the juvenile justice law, with critics questioning "legal protections for minors involved in violent crimes".

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