Iranian student robbed, killed

Cebu - A 20-year-old Iranian man, believed to be a victim of robbery, was found dead early yesterday morning at Juana Ext., barangay Capitol Site.

Police identified the victim as Ashkar Aminian, a native of Kermanshah, Iran. He temporarily resided at the Avila Compound, which is just 100 meters from the crime scene.

The victim was a 4th year BS biology student of the University of the Visayas.

The body was found Marjon Peras, 26, who told police that he was on his way home from work as waiter in Lapu-Lapu City on board a motorcycle-for-hire when he saw the victim lying bloodied and lifeless at the side of the road.

This prompted him to notify the neighbors, who then called for police assistance.

During crime scene investigation, it was found out that the victim sustained a gunshot wound on the left side of his face.

Recovered from inside the left side pocket of the victim’s long pants was an expensive mobile phone, on his neck was a silver necklace, brown belt, a key, and his passport.

Khashayar Sirous, 24, also an Iranian national and classmate of the victim, narrated that they separated ways at 3 a.m. when took a taxicab to go home after they ate at a fastfood outlet along Escario St.

Sirous told police that he and the victim went to a wine shop along Gorordo Ave. before going to the said fast food outlet.

He said that the victim was holding his wallet while he walked home.

Crime scene investigators did not find the victim’s wallet.

The body of the victim was found in a dark portion of the said place, which was more or less 100 meters away from the gate of the compound where he stayed.

The body was brought to the San Fernando Funeral Homes for post-mortem examination.

Sr. Insp. Mario Monilar, chief of the Homicide Section, said that the perpetrator shot the victim at close range.

CCPO Chief Sr. Supt.Patrocinio Comendador, Jr. said that they are still establishing the motive for the crime.

The Theft and Robbery Section led by Sr. Insp. Michael Anthony Bastes and Investigation Detective Management Branch of Sr. Insp. George Ylanan are now coordinating with the Homicide Section.

“We are combining all efforts of the TRS, IDMB, and Homicide Section and work hand in hand to solve this case,” Comendador said.

Comendador said that there was no witness to the shooting.

Residents interviewed by the investigators said that they did not even hear a single burst of gunfire.

Jomar Rubio, head of Social Science Department at UV, expressed shock upon knowing about the incident. He confirmed that the victim was a BS Biology student and was set to supposedly graduate this year.

SPO4 Alex Dacua of the Homicide Section said that they are looking at all angles.

Comendador said that the victim was involved in a “precarious romantic relationship,” but did not elaborate.

SPO4 Dacua said that there is a big possibility that there could be more than one person involved in the crime. —/NLQ (THE FREEMAN)