Robbery eyed in couple’s slay

MANILA, Philippines — An elderly couple died while their housemaid was seriously injured in what police said was a break-in at their home in Quezon City on Sunday.

Nicolas Austria, 86, and his wife Leonora, 87, died at the scene from multiple stab wounds.

Probers said the Austrias were discovered lifeless at their house along Diego Silang street in Barangay San Agustin at around 2 p.m.

The 63-year-old housemaid, Editha Fernandez, was found with a stab wound on her forehead. 

Investigation showed that Austria’s children were supposed to visit them. But there was no one answering when they knocked. 

They sought help from a neighbor to open the gate. Once inside, they said they saw Fernandez lying on the floor while gasping for breath.

The body of Nicolas was found near the bedroom. His wife was seen lifeless in the toilet.

Probers said the bedroom was found in disarray. But authorities have yet to conclude if there was a robbery. 

Fernandez was rushed to the Capitol Medical Center where she underwent surgery.

Investigators found a kitchen knife, a steel pipe, a cell phone, a red upper garment with blood stains and black short pants at the scene.

Quezon City Police District director Brig. Gen Joselito Esquivel said they are looking into robbery as a possible motive for the killing.

“Although an investigation is still ongoing,” he said.

The case was turned over to the Criminal Investigation and Detection Unit of the city police.