Preacher killed in bungled robbery

A 51-year-old preacher was killed inside his own house when attacked by a suspected thief before dawn yesterday in Caloocan City.

Police identified the victim as Lemuel Umali, a resident of Barangay 161 in West Bagong Barrio, Caloocan.

Police Officer 1 Felipe Woo of the Caloocan City police Station Investigation and Detection Management unit said Umali was fast asleep with his wife, Ruby, 43, when a clatter inside their room awakened him at around 3:30 a.m.

When Umali stood up to check the cause of the noise, a man wearing a bonnet attacked him and stabbed him several times.

Ruby, who was also awakened by the commotion, shouted for help from members of their household and their neighbors.

This prompted the suspect to jump out the window and flee towards a dark alley, bringing with him the knife he used to stab Umali.

Umali’s relatives sought the help of patrolling barangay watchmen, who tried to chase the fleeing suspect but failed to catch him.

Umali was rushed for treatment at the Manila Central University Hospital but he died along the way at about 5 a.m.

The Northern Police District-Scene of the Crime Operatives (NPD-SOCO), led by Senior Inspector Benigno Asillar, examined yesterday the crime scene for evidence to help them identify the suspect.

Police said the suspect may have worn a bonnet because he may be known to Umali or his family.