Fashion designer slain in Pandacan

MANILA, Philippines - The decomposing body of a 61-year-old fashion designer was found in his apartment in Pandacan, Manila Monday.

Investigators said Napoleon Geronimo had been stabbed repeatedly, perhaps by someone he knew since there were no signs of forced entry. The killer padlocked the steel gate of the victim’s house and escaped unnoticed.

Robbery could have been the motive since Geronimo’s collection of antiques is missing, investigators said.

Police said village officials were alerted by residents who complained of a foul smell coming from Geronimo’s apartment in Building 6 of the Bagong Barangay housing project in West Zamora. Residents said Geronimo was last seen alive outside his house on Sept. 14, when he was throwing out garbage.