Among the many Filipinos who found success abroad, Ruhelyo was one of the few who could truly be said to have achieved the American Dream. If you asked Tony Silita’s wife, she would tell you that she never imagined they would one day live a prosperous life. Based on available information, Ruhelyo was born in the province of Albay.

He was described as compassionate, hardworking, generous, and friendly. Coming from a poor family, Relio carried noble dreams from a young age, and it was deeply ingrained in him that if he were to have his own family someday, he would not want them to endure the hardships he himself had faced—especially his children.

So when the opportunity came to go to the United States by joining the U.S. military in the 1970s through the 1947 Military Bases Agreement, Relyo did not let it pass. Even though it meant leaving his parents behind, he gathered his courage, knowing that their separation would not last forever.

Upon arriving at the U.S. military base, he underwent intensive training, and within just a few months, the young Filipino was able to keep up with the Americans in handling weapons and other aspects of Navy training. For over two decades and six months, he served in the U.S. Navy. Eventually, Relyo became a naturalized U.S. citizen and owned a home in California.

Outside of his career, adapting to life in America wasn’t too difficult since he was surrounded by many Filipinos. When he met his wife, everything felt like a wedding already, but before that, Rohelyo humbly sought the blessing of her family. After receiving approval from Lita’s parents, he immediately married her and later brought her to the U.S. so they could start their family there.

The couple later had two children, Robbie and Mika. Although their children were automatically U.S. citizens by birth, they made sure the kids were exposed to Filipino culture. With the help of friends and some family members in California, Lita had no trouble raising the children even while her husband served in the U.S. Navy.

Since Rohelio often missed important milestones in his children’s lives, he made the most of every moment whenever he came home. He took them to different places and made Lita feel that despite his long absences, his love for their children never wavered.

Thanks to his perseverance, his children were able to study in good schools. They were all described as well-mannered and respectful. When Relio retired from the Navy, he used his savings to establish not just one but two businesses. With the profits from these ventures, they were able to send all their children to college without the burden of massive student loans.

Relio’s sacrifices did not go unnoticed, especially by his eldest son Robbie, who prioritized his studies. After graduating, Robbie immediately applied for a job, and because of his outstanding performance, he was quickly hired. From being a regular employee, Robbie’s excellent record earned him a promotion to manager.

With his talent and dedication, Robbie eventually became a regional vice president of a financial services company. Once he had his own income, Rohely taught his son how to manage and grow his money. Eventually, Robbie decided to move out and buy his own house.

But despite his success, Robbie was often the subject of discussion during family gatherings. Although he could already be considered an eligible bachelor ready for marriage, love still seemed out of reach. So, even without a girlfriend or savings, he focused on his career—until he met Susy.

Reports say that Susy, too, was of Filipino descent but grew up in California. According to Robbie’s friends, it was love at first sight for him. He didn’t waste time and asked for Susy’s number. She was described as a kindhearted and affectionate chef, so no one was surprised that this was her chosen profession.

According to those around them, the two became close after their very first date. Even though Robbie often traveled for work, it did not affect their relationship, and soon everyone was delighted to hear that they had gotten engaged. Despite their long engagement, Susy never felt bored; instead, she enjoyed planning every detail of her dream wedding.

That’s why when their special day finally came, everyone was thrilled. Thanks to Robbie’s success, he was able to give his fiancée the fairytale wedding she dreamed of. Guests described the event as something straight out of a storybook. After the wedding and honeymoon, Robbie chose to buy a house in Valley Center, a perfect location since they would be close to both families.

Those who knew the couple often said they were truly meant for each other, as no one ever saw Susy argue with him. On social media, the two always appeared happy together. By 2022, the newlyweds were full of dreams and excitement about the family they were about to build.

But in June 2022, just over two months after their wedding, people who knew them were shocked by devastating news. Reports said that it was Susy herself who called the authorities, and within minutes, police officers and firefighters arrived at the scene. After entering the house, they called Susy aside a few minutes later and informed her that her husband was dead.

But the shock didn’t end there—his housemates cried out in disbelief when the deputy sheriff also confirmed that his 5-year-old father-in-law had also been found dead inside. No one could understand what had happened, as the family had always seemed so close. But the biggest shock was yet to come: the identity of the suspect.

According to the homicide investigation unit handling the case, that very night, they arrested a 44-year-old Filipino man identified as Christopher Minglanilla. He was immediately taken to jail and charged with multiple offenses. The next day, friends and acquaintances of Susy were still struggling to believe that both father and son were gone.

Messages of sympathy poured in, and Susi couldn’t help but wonder why this had to happen to them and why both of them had to be taken at the same time. After the autopsy of the father and son, their remains were prepared. And on July 14, 2022, people flocked to the El Camino Memorial Sorrento Valley and Memorial Park to attend the funeral.

Since there weren’t many attendees, the wake only lasted a few days before the two were laid to their final rest. While the family was heartbroken over the farewell, some mourners couldn’t help but ask why the two were murdered when they had been so kind-hearted.

For months, even years, everyone close to the victims remained silent because the trial was still ongoing. But only last year, in 2024, after more than two years, the judge handed down a ruling against the suspect, and all of the victims’ family and friends felt relieved and satisfied with the judge’s verdict.

According to reports dating back to 2022, a few months after the crime, although prosecutors were confident that their evidence was strong, the suspect refused to take responsibility for the killings. Instead, he pleaded not guilty—wanting to fight the case, believing that if the jury heard his side, they would side with him.

When the trial began in 2024, it was revealed that Christopher was born in the Philippines. But he grew up in the U.S., where his family lived in San Diego, California. Even though he was not born into wealth, Christopher worked hard until he established a stable life in America.

Like many other Filipinos abroad, Christopher had witnessed the struggles of his stepfather. That was why he dreamed of living a better life. After graduation, Christopher found a modest job, but his longing for more grew when he met Mika, a Filipina.

The two were often seen together even before they went public with their relationship. Everyone was happy for Christopher, and for years the only question was when they would marry. But instead of rushing into a wedding, Christopher chose to prioritize traveling with her to many places.

People who saw their posts on social media would often remark how perfect they seemed. That’s why when Christopher proposed to Mika, no one could deny their happiness. The comments were filled with congratulations, and a few months later they announced their marriage. “Here’s to the newlyweds. Congratulations!”

Some people asked where the rest of their wedding photos were. But according to Christopher’s friends, Mika and her husband wanted a simple and private ceremony. In court, it was revealed that Mika was the daughter of Rogelio, who, as you may recall, was one of the victims.

This meant that Christopher, the accused suspect, was actually Rogelio’s son-in-law—and Robbie’s brother-in-law. People couldn’t understand how things escalated to such tragedy. When Christopher testified, he denied that their relationship was ever doomed or impossible. He insisted that he truly loved Mika and that she had endured so much for their marriage.

He revealed that when Mika first introduced him to her family, they treated him well—especially Rogelio. In fact, after just a few months of dating Mika, he even accepted a job her father had offered him.

So he worked alongside Robbie. At first, their relationship was good, but later he began to feel that Mika’s family disliked him. Still, since Rogelio was not someone he could simply dismiss, he continued his relationship with Mika. Hoping to gain the jury’s sympathy, his lawyer argued that instead of sulking or questioning why her family disapproved, Christopher had focused solely on his marriage to Mika.

They were often seen at church and regularly attended many events there. In one photo, both could be seen crying during a Zoom conference attended by over a thousand members of Robbie’s financial services company. In the caption, Mika’s mother praised them for cherishing God’s blessings.

Aside from the conference, Mika was also often seen participating in church events at Victory Soal, where her family belonged. Christopher even traveled to other states like Florida, with Mika writing in her captions encouraging others to never hesitate to go wherever God might lead them. She often said, “Where God leads, He blesses.” In her posts, Mika always expressed gratitude for being surrounded by godly people. That’s why many described them as a “God-fearing couple.”

But that image shattered on the night of June 26, 2022. According to the prosecutor, if Christopher was once seen as holy, in reality, he was hiding a demonic nature. He said the victims’ family disliked Christopher because he was arrogant, prideful, and hot-tempered. They had even urged Mika to find someone else.

But despite everything, Mika refused to leave him. Eventually, they gave up. Yet when the two wanted to marry, Rogelio withheld his blessing. That was why Mika’s wedding was so simple—and why so few people from her side of the family attended.

At first, things were fine, but Christopher grew furious seeing Rogelio and his wife supporting Robbie’s marriage while disapproving of his. The lack of parental support made him feel belittled and angry. His rage only deepened when he heard rumors that they mocked him and disrespected his family.

Trying not to be consumed by emotion, Christopher sought advice from fellow church members. But he ignored their counsel as his anger escalated. So, just before 10 p.m. on June 26, 2022, Christopher stormed to his in-laws’ house in a fit of rage.

Mika tried to stop him, but his fury overpowered his reason. Once inside, he went straight upstairs where he saw Rogelio. He shouted at the older man—reminding him of the three years he had waited for his blessing.

Then he fired multiple shots. Seeing Robbie on the phone, he also opened fire with his semi-automatic pistol. Rogelio was pronounced dead at the scene, struck twice in the head and chest. Robbie was shot six times but managed to escape in a black SUV.

Thanks to the quick response of authorities, Christopher was soon arrested. On June 6, 2024, he was found guilty and sentenced to life imprisonment without parole. At the end of the trial, the judge said that although nothing could undo the victims’ loss, he hoped the sentence would bring justice to their family.

The victims’ loved ones expressed satisfaction with the verdict. However, they voiced frustration that throughout the trial, Christopher never showed any remorse. They also criticized Mika as a delusional wife, since even until the end, she sided with her husband—the killer.

When the victims’ families gathered again, Susi revealed that she was pregnant. Friends organized a charity fund to help her start anew without Robbie. The child is now over two years old, and just this year, Susi seems to have regained stability in her life—having entered a new relationship, and together they already have a baby girl.