SAIPAN, Northern Marianas — A Superior Court jury in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands has found a Palauan national guilty of involuntary manslaughter in the death of a Filipino man following a confrontation outside a bar in Garapan last year.
Jeremy Guillermin was also convicted of assault and battery and obstruction of justice after a four-day jury trial that concluded Thursday, Oct. 22.
The six-member jury, however, acquitted Guillermin of the more serious charges of voluntary manslaughter and aggravated assault and battery.
The case stemmed from a Nov. 16, 2025, incident outside Relox Bar, where Guillermin punched Alvin Rebamba, causing him to fall backward and strike his head on the concrete.
Rebamba, a Filipino father whose daughter lives in the Philippines, died four days later after suffering severe brain injuries.
Speaking to reporters after the verdict, chief prosecutor Chester Hinds said he respected the jury's decision but acknowledged that the outcome could never fully compensate Rebamba's family for their loss.
“No verdict is going to be justice for the taking of his life,” Hinds said. “That being said, I respect the jury's verdict.”
Hinds said involuntary manslaughter carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison, assault and battery up to one year, and obstruction of justice up to six months.
If all three maximum sentences are imposed consecutively, Guillermin could face up to six years and six months in prison.
Superior Court Presiding Judge Joseph N. Camacho will determine the sentence on Jan. 13, 2027.
Hinds said prosecutors would review the case before recommending an appropriate sentence.
The verdict was read at approximately 2:20pm after jurors began deliberations at 10:18am.
During the trial, prosecutors relied on surveillance footage, police testimony, and medical evidence to argue that Guillermin's punch was unlawful and unnecessary.
Defense attorney Brien Sers Nicholas countered that his client acted in self-defense after being provoked by Rebamba.
Commonwealth Healthcare Corp. pathologist Dr. Philip Dauterman testified that Rebamba died from a traumatic brain injury involving a six-inch skull fracture and extensive bleeding.
Following the verdict, Sers Nicholas immediately moved to set aside the convictions and enter a judgment of acquittal, maintaining that prosecutors had failed to prove unlawful conduct.
Camacho denied the motion, finding sufficient evidence to support the jury's verdict.
The defense attorney also sought permission for Guillermin to remain on bail and return to his native Palau with his mother pending further proceedings.
Sers Nicholas argued that Guillermin had complied with his bail conditions and was not a flight risk. He indicated that he plans to appeal the convictions.
Camacho rejected the request and ordered Guillermin remanded to the Department of Corrections pending sentencing.
The judge noted that Guillermin no longer enjoyed the presumption of innocence after being convicted and faced a potentially substantial prison sentence.
Guillermin was on Saipan for Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting training when the fatal confrontation occurred.
His mother, who attended Thursday's proceedings, declined to speak to reporters but agreed that what happened was a tragedy for both families.
Rebamba's mother, Veronica Taitano, and older sister, Arvie, also declined interviews after the verdict.
In a subsequent text message, Arvie said the family was still processing the decision.
During the trial, Arvie testified about her brother's hospitalization and the family's decision to withdraw life support. She had earlier told reporters that the family was seeking justice, not monetary compensation.
Hinds expressed sympathy for Rebamba's daughter in the Philippines, who did not get another opportunity to speak with her father before he died.
“Remember how nice your dad was,” Hinds said, recalling footage showing Rebamba dancing and socializing with friends on the night of the incident.
Assistant attorney general Daniel Johnson, who was Hinds’ second in the trial, said he hoped the guilty verdict would help the family begin healing.
A presentence investigation report is due Dec. 28, while sentencing memoranda must be submitted by Jan. 4.
