Suspect in Nicole’s death not yet off the hook

MANILA, Philippines - Grene Milo Da, the fifth suspect in the death of stray bullet victim Stephanie Nicole Ella in Caloocan City, is not yet off the hook.

Da’s handgun – a 9mm pistol – has been submitted for analysis to find out if he fired it during the New Year revelry.

“If the test results are positive, Da will be criminally liable,” Superintendent Jackie Candelario said.

Da, a neighbor of Ella, was arrested last week after witnesses identified him as one of those who fired guns last Dec. 31.

Policemen searched his house and confiscated ammunition for his .9mm pistol. They also recovered live and deformed bullets for a .45 caliber pistol.

Da has been charged with illegal possession of ammunition before the city prosecutor’s office after he was able to present documents for his .9mm gun. He was ordered released on Monday for further investigation.

Ella, 7, died after a bullet for a .45 caliber gun hit her in the head. At least 72 slugs from her neighborhood and nearby barangays were subjected to ballistic examinations.