WILLEMSTAD – Curaçao police arrested the first suspect in the murder of 30-year-old nurse Rachied “Chito” Paulina on Monday morning, November 2, marking a significant development in the investigation into his death at a resort in Klein Zuurzak in September.
The arrest took place on Kaya Berom in Montaña Abou, where officers detained a male suspect in connection with the murder investigation.
Police spokesperson Imro Zwerwer confirmed the arrest and indicated that investigators were also searching the suspect's residence as part of the ongoing investigation.
Authorities have not ruled out additional arrests, suggesting that detectives are continuing to investigate whether other individuals were involved in Paulina's death.
Paulina was found dead in September at a so-called love resort in Klein Zuurzak. The 30-year-old nurse had suffered fatal injuries, prompting police to launch a murder investigation.
One of the important leads in the investigation involved a vehicle that reportedly left the resort at high speed shortly after the incident.
According to information previously reported, the vehicle struck the property's barrier gate while leaving the premises, causing damage.
The damaged vehicle was subsequently discovered in Montaña Abou, the same area where police made Monday's arrest.
Authorities have not yet disclosed whether the arrested suspect was the driver of the vehicle or what evidence directly connects him to the killing.
As part of their efforts to solve the case, authorities previously announced a reward of XCG 10,000 for information leading to an arrest.
It remains unclear whether information provided in response to the reward contributed to Monday's breakthrough.
The identity and age of the arrested man have not been released, and police have not provided details about a possible motive.
The investigation remains ongoing, with detectives continuing to examine evidence and determine whether additional suspects should be detained.
Monday's arrest represents the first publicly reported detention in the murder investigation, nearly two months after Paulina was found dead.
Police have indicated that further arrests remain possible as investigators work to establish the circumstances surrounding his death and identify everyone who may have been involved.