Marine Beaten to Death at Home in Philippines

TAGAYTAY CITY, The Philippines – A retired U.S. Marine was found beaten to death at his home in The Philippines on Christmas Day, GMA News reported.

The victim was identified as James Thomas Kakara, 61, a U.S. war veteran whose left leg was amputated. He was attacked at his home near Tagaytay City in the northern Cavite province, police said Sunday.

Kakara's body was found in his swimming pool, and police said he was beaten with a lead pipe in the Christmas Eve attack.

"He was alone at home at that time because his [Filipina] wife and the rest of the members of the family were out ... for an overnight party and the following day, the American national was found dead," Cavite police director John Bulalacao was quoted as saying.

Kakara was described as a long-term resident of Tagaytay City. Police did not know how many suspects were involved in the death, and no witnesses had yet come forward.

Police said about 206,000 pesos ($4,700) in cash, his cell phone and a laptop computer were taken.