Summary
Highlights
On December 10, 2021, Teacher Cruz Maguad returned home to find his house broken into and his two children, Gwynn and Boyboy, brutally murdered. Boyboy was found gagged and covered in blood, with 51 stab wounds. Gwynn suffered over 30 stab and hacking wounds, a fractured skull, and was found lifeless beside her brother. The crime scene was littered with broken objects, indicating a violent struggle.
Jenny, Gwynn's best friend who was also in the house, claimed three masked men broke in and she hid, posting for help on Facebook. However, police found her account suspicious, particularly her showering immediately after the incident and her inquiry about jail, despite not being a suspect. Jenny's troubled past, including being in an orphanage and alleged abuse, led her to live with the Maguad family, who treated her as their own.
Weeks before the murders, Gwynn discovered Jenny had stolen P10,000 from her father. Although promised secrecy, the theft became known, even reaching Jenny's boyfriend, who broke up with her. Jenny claimed this humiliation, particularly after seeing it discussed in Gwynn's group chat, fueled her intense anger and led her to plan the murder of the entire Maguad family.
Jenny confessed to planning the murders two days prior and enlisted her 17-year-old friend, Gabby. She convinced Gabby to help by promising they could steal millions from the Maguad family, including ATM cards. Gabby, needing money, believed her. He later learned after the crime that Jenny had indeed stolen the money.
On December 10, Jenny secretly let Gabby into the house. She gave the siblings noodle soup laced with sleeping pills. While Boyboy slept, Gabby stabbed him. When Gwynn intervened, Gabby attacked her too. Jenny then actively participated, hitting Gwynn with various objects. After a delivery man briefly interrupted, Jenny and Gabby continued their brutal assault, strangling the siblings with a rope. Gwynn's last words, as recounted by Jenny, were pleading and loving.
After the murders, Jenny and Gabby showered and concocted a story about robbers. Jenny then made a Facebook post asking for help to solidify their alibi. Gabby fled with Gwynn's cellphone and cash, disposing of his bloody clothes. Police later found Gabby's QR code in Jenny's room, leading to his identification. Jenny confessed less than a week later, and Gabby, initially arrested for unrelated charges, also confessed.
Jenny and Gabby were charged with double murder. Due to their minor status, they were initially placed in reform institutions. In May 2022, both were found guilty and given prison sentences. They were transferred to a prison facility after reaching adulthood and showing no remorse. The case sparked a national debate about the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act, questioning whether minors aged 15-17 should be exempt from full criminal liability, even for heinous crimes.