CEBU, Philippines — A mother and her 14-year-old daughter were allegedly shot dead by her common-law partner inside their home last Wednesday in Carcar City, Cebu.
Authorities identified the victims as Jennive Lapiña Abella, 38, and Valerie Megan Abella, both from Sitio Proper, Barangay Valladolid, Carcar City, while the suspect was Jetur Lapiña, 64, a resident of the same area.
Carcar police said the incident reportedly stemmed from an altercation between the couple. It was reported that Lapiña was drunk during the argument with his partner. When the tension escalated, the suspect drew his gun and shot his partner first and then her daughter.
"Dili na siya ka (reason out) kung nganong naapil niya ang anak, murag na blanko daw siya ba," said Police Staff Sergeant Japhet Saavedra
Jennive was shot in the head while her daughter was hit in the chest. They were both declared dead on arrival at the hospital.
After committing the crime, Lapiña reportedly returned to his original residence in a nearby Sitio. He was later arrested in a hot-pursuit operation.
At the crime scene, investigators recovered three live rounds and two fired cartridge cases of a .45 cal. pistol. When asked where he obtained the gun, Lapiña claimed it was pawned to him.
Although investigators cannot yet determine a definitive motive, they suspect a personal grudge since the couple frequently argued. The suspect will face a charge for double murder. — (FREEMAN)