I. THE TRAGEDY OF JACQUELINE ROSE PARUAN NICOLAS IN TEXAS (2019)

It is often said that marriage is not easy, and there is a saying that marriage is not like hot rice that can be spat out once eaten.

But who would have thought that the men two Filipinas chose to love in America would ultimately be their downfall? This is the story of two Filipinas caught in devastating circumstances.

Our first victim is Jacqueline Rose Paruan Nicolas (32), who was married to Peter Noble Nicholas II (30). Jacqueline and Peter, a DJ known as “DJ Pit Mash,” had been married for eight years and had two children together.

The timeline begins on July 29, 2019. The couple checked into the Hotel ZaZa in Dallas, Texas, at 10:00 PM. At 10:19 PM, the hotel staff called 911 to report a woman talking loudly, whom they suspected was using prohibited substances, causing her to act erratically.

Hotel staff repeatedly knocked on the door, but no one answered or opened it. The woman inside was Jacqueline. One minute later, the hotel called 911 again, urgently requesting an ambulance as Jacqueline’s shouts suggested she was pleading for help.

At 10:23 PM, the ambulance and paramedics arrived at the hotel entrance. They did not immediately proceed to the room, citing protocol that prevented them from entering until police arrived due to the potential for a volatile situation.

While waiting, the ambulance crew heard Jacqueline shouting. Around 11:00 PM, hotel security staff heard a commotion inside the couple’s room and rushed to the second floor, but were unable to gain entry immediately.

Moments later, around 11:30 PM, hotel security heard a projectile weapon discharge. Finally, the police arrived and went straight to the second-floor room.

When the police knocked, Peter immediately opened the door. Peter confronted the police, covered in bloodstains and with a wire hanging from his neck.

He appeared to be under the influence of prohibited substances, behaving erratically and attempting to physically assault the officers. The police were forced to subdue Peter using physical force until he lost consciousness.

Peter was then taken to a hospital for his injuries. Meanwhile, paramedics entered the room and declared Jacqueline deceased; she had succumbed immediately to her wounds from the projectile weapon.

Police investigation concluded that Peter was the perpetrator. A projectile weapon was recovered from the couple’s belongings in the room.

Peter was released on a $250,000 USD bail (Php14 million) after being arrested and charged with Murder. Jacqueline’s mother, Tess, was heartbroken, believing her daughter would still be alive if police and paramedics had entered the room earlier.

Tess criticized the delay, arguing that the paramedics should have entered immediately when they heard her daughter pleading for help, rather than waiting for the police. Tess was devastated, stating she knew nothing of any conflict or abuse between Jacqueline and Peter, who she described as polite and kind.

II. PETER’S SUBSEQUENT CRIME AND THE DELAYED JUSTICE

Months passed with no final verdict in the murder case. Three years after the criminal act, on June 11, 2022, while Peter was out on bail for Jacqueline’s loss of life, he was arrested again.

The new charges included assault on a pregnant person and deadly conduct arising from multiple incidents involving his new fiancée, whom we will call Ava. On June 9, 2022, Peter and Ava, who was seven months pregnant, had an argument after Peter allegedly disrespected her.

Peter followed Ava into the shower and attempted to force a physical act. When Ava refused, Peter physically assaulted her and verbally abused her.

Two days later, while Ava was driving with Peter, he became enraged and disrupted her driving, nearly causing an accident. Upon returning home, Peter locked Ava in the room, confiscating her keys and cell phone to prevent her from leaving.

Ava informed the police of these and other abusive incidents occurring between May 20 and June 11. Police began a deeper investigation into Peter’s pattern of behavior.

Peter is currently confined in Dallas County Jail without bail due to the new charges and remains awaiting trial for both the loss of life of Jacqueline and the assault on Ava.

III. THE TRAGEDY OF FRANCES KENDRA LUCERO IN CALIFORNIA (2023)

Our second story took place in California in 2023, involving a Filipino-American woman who was fatally assaulted by her live-in partner in front of their child. The victim was Frances Kendra Lucero (27).

Kendra was an honor student at El Camino High School in South San Francisco, excelling in dance and volleyball. After high school, Kendra studied at Skyline College, eventually moving into an apartment with a female friend.

She developed an interest in healing crystals, selling them online as bracelets and necklaces. Kendra was devoted to her family, often participating in karaoke and cooking Filipino foods during family gatherings.

Kendra met Romel Narag (27). While his nationality was not detailed, he is believed to be Filipino-American. Kendra and Romel entered into a relationship and had two children together, residing in Kendra’s family home.

On March 6, 2023, Kendra and Romel were returning home from a gathering with their children. An argument erupted between the couple inside the house.

The dispute became heated, and Romel suddenly retrieved his personal projectile weapon. Romel discharged the weapon, striking Kendra, who immediately succumbed to her wounds.

It is believed that their two young children were inside the house and witnessed the commission of the crime. Neighbors who heard the projectile weapon’s discharge immediately called the police and ambulance.

Police quickly responded, apprehending Romel at the scene. Romel was charged with Murder and Child Endangerment and is confined in San Mateo County Jail, awaiting trial.

IV. A MOTHER’S GRIEF AND THE VOW FOR JUSTICE

The media did not detail the cause of the couple’s argument. Kendra’s family publicly demanded justice. Her mother, Lizelle, expressed her immense pain, stating that no parent should have to bury their own child.

Lizelle described Kendra as intelligent and hardworking, a motherly figure to her younger siblings. She testified to seeing arguments between Kendra and Romel but believed they were always resolved quickly.

Lizelle received overwhelming support from the Filipino community, who held a mass for Kendra days after the criminal act. The two children left behind are now in the custody of Lizelle’s family.

Romel currently awaits trial, where he could face a penalty of life imprisonment if found guilty. These cases are painful reminders of the vulnerability of women to domestic violence and the tragic consequences when partners violate trust with lethal force.