SAIPAN — A Garapan man has been arrested and charged with murder in the death of 45-year-old Sheldon Kaianoa, the CNMI Department of Public Safety said Monday.
DPS identified the suspect as BinWei Zhang Secharmidal, also known as “Joe Secharmidal,” 33, of Garapan. Kaianoa, the victim, was also a resident of Garapan.
In a press update issued by Commissioner Anthony I. Macaranas, DPS said further investigation revealed the victim and the suspect were at a local establishment in Garapan consuming alcoholic beverages together prior to the incident. Witnesses confirmed both individuals were seen in each other’s company during a drinking session before leaving the area on foot along Asusena Avenue, the department said.
DPS said an argument broke out between the two men while walking along the roadway and escalated into a physical altercation.
Secharmidal was subsequently located in Susupe and taken into custody, the department said. He was transported to DPS headquarters for questioning and has since been formally arrested and charged with murder.
The case remains under active investigation. DPS asked anyone with additional information to contact the DPS Criminal Investigation Bureau at 670-664-9000.
