A Filipino beauty queen has been shot dead moments after opening the front door to 'hitmen' who gave her flowers and chocolates.
Mary Christine Balagtas, 23, opened her front door to the two men at her home in Bulacan, the Philippines, on Wednesday morning.
They let off a single bullet into the student's head then fled on a waiting motorbike, according to police investigating the murder.
She was rushed to hospital as paramedics battled to stabilise her but she died inside the ambulance.
Superintendent Julio Lizardo from Plaridel Police said they were now investigating a man who had a previous relationship with Ms Balagtas.
He added: 'We believe the attack could have carried out by a hired gun.
'We found an empty shell from a.45 calibre pistol at the scene and believe that two men had fled on a motorcycle.
'Witnesses said that two men had been been seen in the neighbourhood before the shooting.
'Mary died in the ambulance on the way to the hospital. We are following several leads including a man who had a romantic relationship with Mary.'
Ms Balagtas previously won the La Bulakenya pageant in 2009 and second pageant in 2010.
She was studying at the University of Regina Carmeli College when she died.
Shocked classmates this week paid tribute to Mary, who had the nickname 'Tin'.
Friend Herlie Rozelle Flores Vecina said: 'Life is just really too short for the family and friends you have left. We may not even know what true happened to you but we let it given in the hands of our almighty God.
'We are confident that justice will prevail. We just pray that your family and us, your friends will get that fair.
'Tin, you will be always in our hearts. You, as a daughter, a sister, a seatmate in elementary, a classmate on high school, a colleague on college... but most importantly, a friend. We hope to never forget you.
'We will sincerely miss you. We love you, Mary Christine. May you rest beautifully in peace, our dear friend.'
