AGANA, Guam – A recent getaway driver in the killing of a South Korean tourist confessed that the crime was influenced by a $100 gambling loss, according to court documents filed in Superior Court. Stefan Keanu Camacho, 26, and Keoki Santos, 28, stated that they borrowed and lost the money, leading them to decide to target a tourist for robbery, as per the complaint.
Camacho told authorities that he warned Santos not to harm anyone if they decided to commit the robbery. They eventually found Hea Jun Hwang, 60, walking with his wife in the Tumon area. Santos brandished a gun at the woman and demanded her purse, and during the struggle, the gun went off, tragically resulting in Hwang’s death.
Both Camacho and Santos took $75 from the robbery and discarded the purse, bank cards, and other items as they fled the scene. Camacho later led investigators to the discarded items. After the shooting, he attempted to mislead investigators by spray-painting his vehicle rims, but was eventually located along with Santos.
Santos, who had been attending drug court for a 2021 methamphetamine case, ended his life when approached by the police. Meanwhile, Camacho was charged with complicity to commit murder and complicity to commit robbery as first-degree felonies, facing a potential life sentence plus 77 years if convicted.
The Korean couple was on vacation to celebrate their retirement when they were attacked. The husband tragically died from a gunshot wound, and the chief medical examiner determined it to be a homicide. A 9mm bullet was found at the scene, and a silver 9mm Beretta handgun was recovered with Santos. Acting Gov. Joshua Tenorio has expressed solidarity with the surviving spouse, offering condolences and support during this difficult time.
In conclusion, the tragic loss of a South Korean tourist has led to the arrest and charging of the individuals responsible for the heinous crime. The victim’s family is left to grapple with the devastating consequences of a senseless act of violence, as authorities continue to pursue justice in this case.