QC student shot dead by suspected drug addicts

Just for kicks, a 17-year-old student was shot dead by a group of suspected drug addicts while he was on his way home in Commonwealth, Quezon City.

Victim Jether James Castillo, a first year college student, and a resident of 10 Korea Avenue, Green Heights, Marikina City, sustained bullet wounds in the head and was pronounced dead on arrival at a nearby hospital.

The suspects fled right after the shooting, taking with them the fatal weapon. Investigations showed that the incident occurred at about 10:30 p.m. near Commonwealth Avenue, corner Batasan Road, Quezon City.

Castillo was apparently on his way home after visiting a friend and was waiting for a ride home when his assailants, who were out of sight, fired three shots, hitting the victim in the face and temple.

Police said that the suspects, who could have been trigger-happy drug addicts, fled the scene – leaving the bloodied victim sprawled, face down on the pavement.

Castillo was rushed to the hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival by attending physicians at about 11:10 p.m.

Operatives of the Central Police District could not determine any motive for the killing, prompting them to believe that the assailants killed Castillo just for kicks.

Meanwhile, two elderly sidewalk vendors were slightly injured after they were sideswiped by a freight train in Tondo, Manila, yesterday morning.

Police reports identified the victims as Lamberto Nocum, 61, a retired employee of the International Container Services Incorporated (ICSTI); and his wife Maria Luz Nocum, 56, both Tondo residents.

According to reports, the victims were tending their stall inside the ICSTI rail compound at the corner of Claro M. Recto Avenue and Asuncion street at about 9:30 a.m. when the ICSTI freight train appeared.

Police said the victims panicked and tried to remove their wares from the island when the train sideswiped them. Police said the Binondo-bound train did not stop.

Bystanders rushed the victims to the nearby Gat Andres Bonifacio Hospital for treatment. Lamberto sustained slight injuries in the head while his wife was treated for a fractured left rib.

Police said that the victims broke through the rail fence and illegally peddled their wares. According to police, some vendors illegally sell their goods at the islands of the ICSTI rail compound apparently unmindful of the dangers involved. – Mike Frialde