Defendant Domingo Mendiola to admit murder of Dededo mother

Prosecutors are one day closer to getting justice for the family of Sumittra Lairopi.

Lairopi was shot and killed after having dinner at Thai Thai restaurant in Tamuning last year. 

In Superior Court today, Defendant Domingo Mendiola was set to admit to murder charges for his part in the killing. 

“Unfortunately, nothing will bring Ms. Lairopi back and that is an unfortunate circumstance. She has minor children that are left behind. This will resolve this case in the best interest of the people of Guam and will protect the citizens and allow us to move forward against other persons involved,” said Special Assistant Attorney General Curtis Van De Veld.

Others in the case include co-defendant Jenna Manibusan and defendant Johnny Atalig. Atalig's case remains under seal. 

Mendiola was initially facing charges of aggravated murder. 

His plea deal, which he is expected to take Monday morning, will make him a convicted murderer. 

“It's a lesser included portion of aggravated murder. The difference is aggravated murder is life without possibility of parole. This is life in prison with possibility of parole, but there will be 40 years served before Mendiola would be eligible for parole,” said Van De Veld. 

He adds Mendiola's deal includes testifying against his co-actors. 

“I don't know whether or not we are going to be able to resolve the cases against the co-defendants without the necessity of trial. I'm just going to prepare as if we are going to trial and if we are successful, which I believe we will be in presenting those cases, then those individuals will face life without parole,” added Van De Veld. 

As KUAM reported, Lairopi was shot after celebrating Valentine's Day with friends. She later died at the hospital. 

Investigators discovered Mendiola allegedly pulled the trigger before taking off with Lairopi's car.

The alleged deadly robbery was planned to help Mendiola pay off a drug debt.