Alleged spa killer arrested, freed hours before slay

MANILA, Philippines - An Australian owner of a spa in Manila may still be alive had his alleged killer, a man he hired to renovate his spa, been jailed for a crime he reportedly committed in Caloocan City on Friday, police said yesterday.

Inspector Steve Casimiro, head of the Manila Police District’s homicide section, said Aaron Balagtas was arrested along C-3 Road hours before he allegedly robbed and killed Harry John McKenzie, 63, in Yin Yang Spa in Ermita.

“Balagtas was released because there was no complainant,” Casimiro told The STAR. “If he had been jailed, the victim would still be alive.”

McKenzie’s body was found on a couch in the spa’s living room by a vendor at about 9:45 a.m. on Friday. His head was bleeding, his feet were tied, and his mouth was gagged.

McKenzie also had bruises all over his body, which Casimiro said were signs of a struggle. The victim also lost several pieces of jewelry, a cell phone and an undetermined amount of money.

Balagtas and his still unidentified accomplice remain free, Casimiro said.

McKenzie hired Balagtas, who has been arrested for robbery in Manila and neighboring cities, to renovate Yin Yang, particularly its sauna room, Casimiro said, adding that the Australian may not have been aware of Balagtas’ record.

Casimiro said Balagtas used to report at the spa at 5 a.m. since the shop operates from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.

A bloodstained piece of wood, suspected to be the weapon used by McKenzie’s assailant, was found in the spa.