Trike driver shoots businessman dead: Victim's companion wounded in attack

A businessman was killed while his female companion was wounded when they were attacked yesterday by a man who claimed to be holding a grudge against the businessman.

Michael Gutierrez, 35, of San Vicente Village, Subangdaku, Mandaue City was declared dead on arrival at the Mandaue City Hospital while his companion, Marilou Zafra, 35, of Waling-Waling Street, Opao, Mandaue City, was rushed to a private hospital in Cebu City.

Initial investigation conducted by Inspector Rosario Ceniza, chief of Station 1 in barangay Centro revealed that Gutierrez and Zafra were riding a Honda CRV with plate number GRX-681 from barangay Opao bound for Cebu City.

Upon reaching Plaridel Street, Gutierrez stopped the vehicle because of a stop signal. The suspect, identified as Dondee Perez, of barangay Cabancalan, Mandaue City, was reportedly standing by the road, waiting for the victims. When the victim's vehicle stopped, the suspect shot at the victims.

Perez, who immediately fled after the incident, was later arrested by responding policemen who seized from him a .357 caliber revolver loaded with 13 live bullets and two empty shells.

The suspect admitted to the police that he had a grudge against Gutierrez who mauled him last month after they had an argument.

Gutierrez is engaged in the buy and sell business and is also a meat trader.

Police investigators said they are conducting further investigation to determine other possible angles that may have led to the killing. - Jose P. Sollano