In a chilling update from a high-profile trial in the Maldives, an Indian professor testified that traces of a potentially lethal drug were found in the blood of Mary Grace Oned Pineda, a Filipino nurse who worked at the Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH) in Malé City. The trial is centered around the murder of Pineda in October 2021, and the key players in the case are two nurses from the same hospital: Haleemath Lamha and Marvin SY Vargas, who was also Pineda’s husband.
The Alleged Conspiracy: Murder and Affairs
Both Lamha and Marvin are facing serious charges, with Marvin accused of intentional homicide, and Lamha charged with knowingly participating in the murder. Lamha is also facing a second charge related to the possession of unauthorized medication, which is strictly regulated for use within hospital premises. Authorities believe that Lamha and Marvin were involved in an illicit affair and that the two nurses conspired to murder Pineda.
Traces of Succinylcholine Found in Mary’s Blood
The prosecution presented crucial evidence during the trial, including the testimony of an experienced forensic science specialist from India. The professor, who has over two decades of experience in the field, analyzed a blood sample from Pineda and confirmed that it contained traces of succinylcholine, a drug known for its paralytic effects. This injection, when administered, can cause rapid paralysis and respiratory failure, making it potentially lethal.
According to the professor, succinylcholine is often used in medical settings for intubation but can also be deadly if used improperly. He explained that the presence of succinylcholine in Pineda’s blood indicates that she was injected with the substance before her death.
Evidence Found in Lamha’s Room
Syringes were found in Lamha’s room, raising further suspicions. While none of these syringes contained succinylcholine, they did contain other dangerous substances, such as potassium chloride and propofol. These medications, which are commonly used in hospital settings, are prohibited for personal use and could have been used in the alleged crime.
The prosecution argues that Lamha took these substances from IGMH without authorization and used them as part of the plot to kill Pineda. Investigators also revealed that Lamha and Marvin had discussed using injections to incapacitate someone, including the effects of succinylcholine. They alleged that Lamha had advised Marvin to act quickly, pointing to a premeditated effort to carry out the murder.
A Shift in the Investigation: From Suicide to Homicide
Initially, authorities believed that Pineda’s death was a suicide. However, after further investigation, the case was reclassified as a homicide. The prosecution presented compelling evidence, including the results of a post-mortem examination, which revealed that Pineda died from severe head and neck injuries, not from a self-inflicted wound.
In addition, it was revealed that Marvin had searched the internet for ways to incapacitate a person shortly before the incident. The prosecution’s case against the two nurses is bolstered by over 100 pieces of evidence, including witness testimonies that further strengthen the argument for a premeditated murder.
The Trial and Its Ongoing Developments
The trial is ongoing, with both Lamha and Marvin pleading not guilty to the charges. Lamha has been placed under house arrest, while Marvin remains in custody pending the trial’s outcome. Prosecutors continue to present their case, which is built on a combination of physical evidence, expert testimony, and witness accounts that point to murder, not suicide.
The investigation and trial of this case have attracted significant attention, shedding light on a tragic event that has left the Maldivian community stunned. As more evidence is revealed, the case is likely to continue to unfold, with crucial implications for the future of medical ethics and the safety of hospital staff.
