The Maguad Family Massacre: Philippines' Most Shocking True Crime Case
In the quiet town of Mang, North Cotabato, Philippines, an unimaginable tragedy unfolded on December 10, 2021. What began as a routine afternoon quickly descended into horror when Cruz Magard, a 48-year-old public school teacher, received a troubling call from a neighbor about possible disturbances at his home. Upon arriving at his residence at 3:15 p.m., Cruz discovered a blood-soaked scene that would soon be recognized as one of the Philippines' most notorious crimes.
Inside the ransacked house lay the bodies of Cruz's children: 18-year-old Krisle Gwyn and 16-year-old Krisle Lewis (known as Boy Boy), both victims of extraordinarily brutal attacks. Gwyn had suffered 32 stab wounds, while Lewis, found bound and gagged, had endured 51 knife wounds. Mysteriously, the family's adopted daughter Janice Cal emerged alive, wet-haired and visibly shaken. Multiple weapons from the household—including a knife, machete, baseball bat, and hammer—were found at the scene, raising immediate questions about the nature and perpetrators of this horrific crime.
Key Takeaways
A devastating double homicide claimed the lives of two teenagers in their family home, with evidence suggesting carefully planned violence rather than a robbery gone wrong.
Multiple weapons and the extensive injuries inflicted on both victims indicate possible involvement of more than one perpetrator in this meticulously executed attack.
The survival of one family member amidst the brutal scene presented investigators with critical testimony, while local authorities offered substantial rewards to expedite the capture of those responsible.
Examination of the Incident
First Responder's Alert
On December 10, 2021, at 2:58 PM, Cruz Magard was helping with repairs at Ban Elementary School where his wife Illa was principal. His afternoon was interrupted by a concerning call from a neighbor who had noticed unusual disturbance inside the Magard residence. The neighbor reported the home appeared to have been ransacked, though he hadn't entered the property himself.
Cruz Magard's Immediate Response
Cruz immediately contacted his wife, who was away on business, and urged her to return home. He abandoned his work and rushed to their residence, deeply concerned about their three children who had been home alone: 18-year-old Krisle Gwyn, 16-year-old Krisle Lewis (known as "Boy Boy"), and their recently adopted daughter Janice Seal. The lack of communication from any of the children heightened his anxiety as he made his way home.
Horrific Scene
At approximately 3:15 PM, Cruz arrived at his silent home. Outside the front door lay a blood-soaked blanket and a knife. Upon entering through the back door, Cruz discovered a nightmarish scene. In the living room, he found Gwyn's body with multiple slash wounds across her limbs and torso, her head wrapped in a towel. Near the main door lay Boy Boy, bound and gagged, with numerous fresh stab wounds.
The house was in complete disarray, with cabinets pried open and belongings scattered throughout. Janice eventually emerged from her room, visibly shaken and wet-haired, unable to speak clearly. Multiple weapons were found at the scene, including a broken knife, a machete, a baseball bat, and a hammer—all belonging to the family and all bearing bloodstains.
The crime scene analysis revealed that Gwyn had suffered 32 stab wounds, with injuries severe enough to nearly sever limbs, while Lewis had endured 51 knife wounds. The evidence suggested multiple attackers, with Gwyn likely killed first, followed by Lewis. Despite the appearance of a robbery, investigators determined this was not the motive behind this brutal attack.
Crime Scene Investigation
Initial Scene Assessment
The investigation began at 3:15 PM on December 10, 2021, when Cruz Magard entered his home after receiving a concerning call from a neighbor. Upon arrival, he discovered a blood-soaked blanket and knife outside the front door. Inside, he found his daughter Gwyn with multiple slash wounds and his son Lewis bound and gagged with fresh stab wounds.
The third child, Janice, their adopted daughter, emerged from her room with wet hair and appeared visibly shaken by the events. Cruz immediately contacted law enforcement, who arrived shortly after to document what would become one of the most violent crime scenes in recent Philippine history.
Examination of Disorder
The residence displayed signs of extreme disturbance that initially suggested a robbery. Cabinets were forced open and personal belongings were scattered throughout the home in an apparently random fashion. However, investigators noted peculiar inconsistencies in the chaos pattern that didn't align with typical burglary scenes.
The disarray, while extensive, lacked certain characteristic elements of genuine theft incidents. Several weapons were found at the scene, including:
A knife with a broken handle
A machete
A baseball bat
A hammer
All weapons belonged to the homeowner and showed blood evidence, suggesting they were used in the attack. Oddly, the home's washing machine had been recently operated, yet no freshly laundered clothes were found anywhere in the residence.
Gathering of Evidence Materials
Investigators conducted a methodical collection of physical evidence both inside and outside the property. A blood-stained short-sleeve shirt was discovered just outside the front door. Approximately 100 meters from the residence, officers located a plastic bag containing bloody pants and underwear discarded in a ditch.
The autopsy findings revealed the severity of the attacks:
Victim Wounds Notable Findings Gwyn 32 stab/slash wounds Nearly severed limbs, one ear cut off, defensive wounds on hands Lewis 51 knife wounds No defensive wounds, signs of restraint, possible strangulation
Blood evidence analysis indicated Gwyn was likely killed first, as her blood had begun to coagulate and rigor mortis was setting in. Lewis's blood appeared fresher, suggesting he was murdered shortly afterward. The multiple weapons used and the nature of the restraints pointed to the probable involvement of more than one perpetrator.
The brutality of the crime prompted local authorities to offer substantial rewards for information: 200,000 pesos from the municipal council of Mang, North Cotabato, and an additional 50,000 pesos from the mayor of Tulan.
Victim Profiles
Krisle Gwyn "Gwyn"
Krisle Gwyn, often called "Gwyn" by family members, was 18 years old at the time of her murder on December 10th, 2021. As the eldest sibling in the Magard household, she became the first victim in what would become one of the Philippines' most shocking crime cases.
Autopsy findings revealed the horrific extent of violence inflicted upon her. Gwyn sustained 32 separate stab and slash wounds across her body. Several wounds were delivered with such force that they nearly severed her limbs. One ear had been completely cut off, while her neck and upper arm were almost entirely severed.
The medical examination uncovered significant defensive wounds on the backs of her hands, which had turned purple from the trauma. These injuries strongly indicate Gwyn fought desperately against her attacker(s). Her body also showed signs of blunt force trauma, consistent with the hammer and baseball bat recovered at the crime scene.
Krisle Lewis "Boy Boy"
Krisle Lewis, known affectionately as "Boy Boy," was 16 years old when he was murdered shortly after his sister on December 10th, 2021. When discovered by his father, Boy Boy's hands and feet were bound, and a gag covered his mouth.
The autopsy conducted on December 13th, 2021 revealed Boy Boy had suffered 51 knife wounds throughout his body. Many of these wounds were extremely deep, penetrating to the bone and exposing internal organs. Red marks found on his neck suggested he may have been strangled at some point during the attack.
Unlike his sister, Boy Boy's body lacked defensive wounds, suggesting he was restrained before being attacked or was caught completely off guard. His body also exhibited signs of blunt force trauma to his limbs and torso, matching the weapons found at the scene. The binding of his extremities indicated the attackers took specific measures to prevent him from fighting back.
Doubts and Scrutiny
The brutal nature of the crime prompted authorities to carefully examine all possible angles, ensuring no stone was left unturned. Investigators approached the case methodically, questioning every detail and examining inconsistencies in the initial narratives. As evidence accumulated, certain aspects of the tragedy raised questions that demanded deeper exploration.
Examining the Parents' Whereabouts
Police followed standard protocol by investigating Cruz and Illa Magard, despite their apparent absence from the scene. Cruz was helping with school repairs at Ban Elementary School where his wife served as principal when he received the alarming call from a neighbor. Illa was reportedly on a business trip at the time of the incident.
Authorities verified their alibis thoroughly:
Cruz's presence at the school was confirmed by multiple witnesses
Phone records corroborated the timeline of the neighbor's call
Illa's business trip was substantiated by travel documentation
Investigators ruled out parental involvement after extensive verification of their whereabouts during the critical timeframe. This conclusion allowed the police to redirect their resources toward other potential suspects and leads.
Analysis of Janice Cal's Statement
The surviving adopted daughter's account required careful consideration. When Cruz discovered the horrific scene, Janice emerged from her room with wet hair and appearing visibly shaken. Her initial statements were fragmented and unclear, which investigators attributed to shock.
Several elements of her testimony warranted closer examination:
Room condition - While her room appeared disheveled like the rest of the house, certain aspects of the disarray differed from typical robbery patterns
Timeline discrepancies - Her account of when she heard disturbances didn't align perfectly with the estimated time of death based on blood coagulation
Lack of injuries - Despite the extreme violence that claimed her siblings' lives, Janice emerged physically unharmed
The washing machine's recent use without any clean clothes present further complicated the narrative. This detail, combined with the discovery of bloodstained clothing discarded some distance from the house, suggested possible attempts to eliminate evidence. Investigators noted the contrast between the apparent robbery scene and the selective nature of what appeared disturbed within the home.
Authorities maintained professional skepticism while treating Janice with appropriate sensitivity given her traumatic experience. Her statements required verification against the physical evidence to establish a complete and accurate reconstruction of events.
Unraveling the Case
The discovery at the Magard family home on December 10th, 2021, thrust the Philippines into one of its most horrific crime scenes. When Cruz Magard returned home at 3:15 p.m. after a neighbor's worrying call, he encountered a nightmarish scene.
Inside the silent house, Cruz found his daughter Gwyn lying on the floor with severe slash wounds across her body, particularly on her neck, with a blood-soaked towel nearby. His son Lewis (known as Boy Boy) was discovered near the main door with his hands and feet bound, a gag over his mouth, and multiple stab wounds. Their adopted daughter Janice emerged from her room—visibly shaken but alive.
Police arrived to document a scene of extreme violence, with blood pooling on the floors and signs of what initially appeared to be a robbery. The investigation would soon reveal disturbing complexities that defied simple explanation.
Evidence Analysis and Contradictions
The crime scene presented several troubling inconsistencies that challenged the robbery narrative. Though the house appeared ransacked with cabinets pried open and belongings scattered, a careful examination revealed patterns inconsistent with typical theft scenarios. The disarray, while extensive, lacked certain expected characteristics of a genuine robbery.
Key evidence was discovered both inside and outside the residence:
A bloodstained short-sleeve shirt found just outside the front door
Bloody pants and underwear in a plastic bag located in a ditch about 100 meters from the home
A knife with a broken handle near the front door
Broken glass and bottles throughout the living room
Investigators also noted that the family's washing machine had been recently used, yet no freshly washed clothes were found anywhere in the house. This peculiar detail suggested possible attempts to eliminate evidence.
The autopsies, conducted on December 13th, 2021, revealed the shocking brutality of the attacks:
Victim Injuries Additional Findings Gwyn (18) 32 stab/slash wounds, nearly severed limbs, one ear cut off Defensive wounds on hands, signs of struggle Lewis (16) 51 knife wounds, some exposing bone, strangulation marks No defensive wounds, suggesting surprise attack
The timeline established by forensic analysis indicated Gwyn was killed first, as her blood had partially coagulated and rigor mortis had begun. Lewis's fresher blood suggested he was murdered shortly afterward.
Multiple Murder Weapons
The assailants employed an alarming array of weapons during the attack, all of which belonged to the family. This curious detail prompted investigators to consider whether the perpetrators arrived unarmed and opportunistically used tools available in the household.
The weapons recovered included:
A broken knife
A machete
A baseball bat
A hammer
Each weapon bore bloodstains and appeared to have been used during the murders. The diverse nature of these implements raised significant questions for investigators. The autopsy findings corroborated their use—Gwyn and Lewis both showed signs of blunt force trauma consistent with the hammer and baseball bat, alongside numerous slash and stab wounds matching the knife and machete.
The presence of multiple weapons, combined with the fact that Lewis was bound while Gwyn was not, pointed strongly toward the involvement of more than one attacker. Controlling a restrained victim while simultaneously carrying out such a violent assault would be extremely difficult for a single person to manage.
Local authorities quickly recognized the gravity of the situation, launching an intensive manhunt. The vice mayor of Mang, North Cotabato announced a 200,000-peso reward, while the mayor of Tulan offered an additional 50,000 pesos for information leading to the capture of those responsible.
Community and Official Response
The brutal killings shocked the North Cotabato region, triggering immediate reactions from authorities and the public. Local officials quickly mobilized resources to support the investigation and bring the perpetrators to justice.
Search Efforts and Public Reaction
Following the discovery of the crime scene on December 10, 2021, authorities launched an extensive manhunt for those responsible for the murders of Krisle Gwyn and Krisle Lewis. The particularly violent nature of the attacks—with 32 wounds on Gwyn and 51 on Lewis—horrified the community and created an atmosphere of fear and urgency. The brutality evident in the crime scene photos, showing severed limbs and extensive defensive wounds, intensified public demand for swift justice.
Law enforcement officials conducted door-to-door inquiries and established checkpoints throughout the neighboring areas. The community's shock quickly transformed into action, with residents volunteering information and assisting police efforts.
Financial Incentives for Information
To accelerate the investigation, local officials established substantial monetary rewards. Vice Mayor Joseito Penol announced a 200,000-peso reward for information leading to the arrest of the killers. This significant sum demonstrated the seriousness with which officials viewed the case.
Mayor Pip Leungan of Tulunan contributed an additional 50,000 pesos to the reward fund, bringing the total to 250,000 pesos. These financial incentives were designed to overcome potential hesitation from witnesses and encourage anyone with relevant information to come forward.
The reward announcements were widely publicized through local media and community bulletins, ensuring maximum awareness throughout North Cotabato and surrounding areas.
Medical Assessment Findings
Examination of Remains
The postmortem examination conducted on December 13-14, 2021 revealed extreme trauma to both victims. Krisle Gwyn sustained 32 distinct stab and slash wounds across her body. Several injuries were notably severe, with some cuts deep enough to nearly detach her limbs. One ear was completely severed, while her neck and upper arm exhibited near-complete separation. Significant purple discoloration appeared on the backs of her hands, consistent with defensive wounds, indicating she actively fought against her attacker(s).
The body showed clear signs of blunt force trauma in addition to the sharp force injuries. These blunt trauma patterns aligned with the hammer and baseball bat recovered from the crime scene. Partial coagulation of blood and the onset of rigor mortis suggested she was the first victim in the sequence of events.
Analysis of Trauma
Krisle Lewis's body presented even more extensive injuries, with 51 knife wounds documented throughout his body. Many penetrated deeply enough to expose bone and internal organs. Distinctive red marks appeared on his neck, suggesting possible strangulation attempts before or during the attack.
Unlike his sister, Lewis showed no defensive wounds, supporting the theory he was restrained before being attacked—his hands and feet were found bound at the crime scene. His body also displayed blunt force injuries consistent with the various weapons recovered at the scene. The fresher state of blood surrounding his body, compared to his sister's, indicated he was killed after Gwyn.
The various weapons used—including a knife with a broken handle, a machete, a baseball bat, and a hammer—all belonged to the household. The multiple weapon types and distinct injury patterns suggest the possible involvement of more than one perpetrator. The sheer number of wounds (83 combined) indicates extreme violence beyond what would be necessary for homicide, pointing to potential elements of rage or personal motivation behind the attacks.
