Shopper’s death Kin not pursuing case versus 1 of 3 suspects

CEBU, Philippines - The family of a shopper, who was allegedly mauled to death by the security personnel of a department store after he was accused of shoplifting a pair of sandals, is no longer pursuing the criminal complaint against one of the suspects.

Marie Shantylle Ducayag said her family was satisfied with the explanation of Cebu City prosecutor Nicolas Sellon on why one of the suspects was exonerated from the murder of her brother, Mario Alfie Ducayag, in April last year.

Marie and her family sought a clarification from Sellon why Melvin Boyles was suddenly dropped from the list of respondents in the case when he was included in the original resolution.

According to Marie, Sellon clearly explained to them why Boyles had to be exonerated because he was just performing his duties.

“For lack of evidence, Sellon said, Boyles was dropped from the charges,” Marie said in a phone interview. The witnesses allegedly did not identify him as one of those who handcuffed and mauled her brother.

Assistant city prosecutor Anna Lou Cavada earlier included Boyles in her recommendation for the filing of murder charges in court.

The recommendation was approved by Sellon.

The respondents asked for a reconsideration which was resolved by prosecutor Gandhi Truya. In Truya’s resolution, Boyles was already dropped from the list of respondents.

Truya only recommended for the filing of the case in court against head security Mauricio Doblados, Jr. and CCTV operator Jeffrey Aquino. The resolution was also approved by Sellon.

Marie said that after a 30 to 45-minute conversation with Sellon, they were enlightened on why Boyles had to be cleared.

Based on the affidavit of the witnesses, Sellon allegedly did not find any evidence that Boyles participated in the crime.

Boyles merely performed his duties when he brought Ducayag to the security office for investigation to determine if he indeed paid the pair of sandals that he allegedly stole.

“None of them (witnesses) pointing Boyles, that he participated in the handcuffing and the mauling,” Marie said.

Marie is hoping that Boyles will help them in their quest for justice. According to Marie, they want Boyles to tell the truth on what really transpired inside the security office on April 12, 2013.

“I am looking forward that the warrant of arrest will be issued against Doblados and Aquino and they will be arrested,” she added. (FREEMAN)