"We will ask the DOJ to review the case. There was no physical evidence to link him to the crime. Not a single fingerprint of my client was found at the crime scene. The charges against him was based solely on the uncorroborated statement of Philippe Marcelo, whose fingerprints were all over the place," lawyer Orlando Dizon told The STAR in a telephone interview.
Reyes and Marcelo are facing rape with homicide charges for the rape-slay of Castro, whose body was found inside her Manila condominium last May 12, She had 24 stab wounds.
Dizon noted that Reyes was a victim of trial by publicity.
Marcelo had tagged Reyes as the mastermind in the killing following his arrest.
Judge Reynaldo Alhambra of Regional Trial Court Branch 53 set the arraignment of Marcelo on Aug. 3.
A warrant has been issued for the arrest of Reyes yesterday. The lawyer of the victim has asked the court to issue a hold departure order against Reyes.
Castro’s parents, Grace and Rogelio, appealed to Reyes to surrender and face the charges. The couple personally brought a copy of the warrant of arrest to the Western Police District (WPD). — Cecille Suerte Felipe