Ex-U.S. Marine allegedly suffered “war shock,” stabs Filipina wife 63 times

A woman sustained 63 stab wounds after she was allegedly attacked and killed by her husband, a retired member of the United States Marine Corps.

The victim was identified as Norma Abadano Hall, 36, a resident of Barangay Pinocawan, Vallehermoso, Negros Oriental. The suspect was identified as her husband, John William Hall, 40, a former U.S. Marine from Norfolk, Virginia, USA, who had been living in the same area.

According to Vallehermoso Chief of Police PCPT Berwyn Soreño, the suspect peacefully surrendered to authorities after the incident, which occurred at around 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 29, 2026.

Based on the initial investigation, the couple reportedly had an argument that escalated into violence. The American suspect allegedly used a kitchen knife to repeatedly stab his wife, resulting in the victim sustaining 63 stab wounds.

Authorities are looking into the possibility that the suspect may have experienced Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), also referred to as “shell shock” or “war shock,” allegedly linked to his combat experience while serving in the U.S. Marine Corps.

Experts say that when PTSD episodes occur, a person may lose awareness or control of their actions. Authorities believe this may have contributed to the stabbing incident.

The American suspect is now facing a criminal charge of parricide, filed by the Vallehermoso police.