OFW, who killed Saudi employer, executed in Riyadh

MANILA, Philippines - An overseas Filipino worker, who killed his Saudi employer in 2007, was executed in Riyadh on Monday.

"It is with sadness that we confirm the execution of OFW Joven Esteva at 9 am today (Saudi time) in Riyadh," Department of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Charles Jose said.

Esteva, a family driver, was convicted of murder in 2007 for killing his Saudi employer, as well as injuring his employer's son.

Jose said despite the Philippine government's efforts, the victim's family refused to grant Esteva forgiveness.

"We have provided Mr. Esteva all necessary and appropriate legal and consular assistance, including providing a lawyer, since his arrest in 2007. Regrettably, despite efforts of the Philippine government, the family of victim refused to grant forgiveness," he said.

To recall, Esteva arrived in Saudi Arabia in 2006, where he started to work as a family driver. His employer was a professor at a university in Riyadh, and reportedly treated Esteva well.

In January 2007, Esteva started experiencing health problems, including insomnia. After he was unable to sleep for months, Esteva was sent by his employer to a clinic for a check-up but the results were negative.

In May 2007, Esteva killed his employer and nearly killed his son.

The court found Esteva guilty and sentenced him to death by beheading.

Despite an appeal by the embassy that Esteva was not in his right state of mind during the incident, the Court of Cassation re-affirmed the death sentence. - With report from Jay Ruiz, ABS-CBN News