Defendants in taxi robbery, assault case could face life in prison

12/16/24 - 20-year-old Jay Billy, 19-year-old JR Tipingeni, and three minors appeared before Superior Court Judge Joseph Camacho Monday morning as they face charges of kidnapping, aggravated assault and battery, robbery, and disturbing the peace.

During Billy and Tipingeni’s appearance at the CNMI Judiciary, Assistant Attorney General Heather Barcinas said the adults could face life imprisonment for kidnapping, 20 years for robbery, 10 years for aggravated assault, and 6 months for disturbing the peace along with fines. Barcinas explained that Billy and Tipingeni would have faced 20 years in prison for the kidnapping charge if they voluntarily released the victim. However, Barcinas said the victim had to escape and suffered various injuries.

Chief Prosecutor Chester Hinds told local media that they will consider charging the juveniles as adults.

The charges came after a video of some of the individuals involved showed the victim, a taxi driver, being strangled in his car. They reportedly beat him up after he drove them from Fina Sisu to the beachside of Coral Ocean Resort in Koblerville.

Their preliminary hearing is on December 23 at 2:30 p.m. and arraignment is on December 30 at 9 a.m. Bail was set at $50,000 cash for both Billy and Tipingeni.

This is a developing story.