A trial is underway on Kauai, regarding a man who supposedly stole his friend’s identity, and whose body has been found shot in the Philippines.

Henry Calucag is the one on trial. He allegedly was with his friend John Elwin, a prominent Kauai resident, in the Philippines, where Elwin was shot and killed. Elwin had gone to the Philippines to use a condo bought from Calucag but never returned.

Calucag did return, then went to the state Bureau of Conveyances to file a document indicating he was the owner of a plot of land in Kauai that belonged to Elwin. Prosecutors are saying the document was forged.

“John had been very generous to him. He betrayed that trust, took his vehicle, his land, cash — all of that — without giving anything in return,” prosecutor Chris Van Marter said.

In spite of the suspicion of murder Calucag, 57 is only being charged with first-degree identity theft, first degree theft and forgery for using a forged document to get the title of a plot of land owned by Elwin.

In order for a fair trial the jury will not hear that Elwin’s body was found shot in the Philippines. Nor will they hear that two other men who traveled with Calucag in the Philippines have also disappeared and their disappearances are under investigation.

Elwin reportedly had known Calucag, also known as Hank Jacinto, from polo matches on Kauai and Oahu. Attorney Mark Kawata, who is representing Calucag, said they often shared expenses relating to polo and got along famously.

Kawata says the land deed that Calucag reportedly forged was genuine, with experts determining the signature genuine saying, “This is a case of official arrogance because the investigator has steadfastly refused to look at any evidence which would tend to be in favor of Calucag.”

Prosecutor Chris Van Marter says that Elwin had no intention of selling that land, saying it was to go to his only daughter Jennifer as stated in his will.

Elwin went to the Philippines to use the condo he had bought form Calucag for $245,000. Reportedly the condo didn’t exist and Calucag used Elwin’s credit card to purchase an unauthorized round trip, first class fare to the Philippines following Elwin. Elwin’s body was found a short while later.

His sister Kristi Elwin said she called Calucag when she couldn’t reach her brother. She said, “He would meander around, and he would change the subject.” She also said he told them not to call the police saying that Elwin would not want his finances or private life investigated.