American's killer: It was an accident

CEBU, Philippines - The college student who gunned down a 76-year-old American last Wednesday night claimed self-defense and accidentally killing the victim, but contrary to Jordan Cyril Galiste’s claim, police said the murder was thoroughly planned and the motive was jealousy.

Galiste, 20, and a second year college student of the University of Cebu-Mambaling Campus, said he was prompted to grab the gun from one of his companions and shoot Leamon Wesley Casteen Jr. because the latter appeared ready to attack him.

Galiste said that this was when he went back to the victim’s apartment after seeking assistance from his friends when he saw the victim slap their 16-year-old companion.

The girl, a fourth year high school student of the Gothong National High School, was allegedly being supported by the victim in her studies.

According to Galiste, they went to the victim’s place after he was told by the female minor and the victim’s 16-year-old girlfriend that the victim will be holding a party for the two girls for their graduation.

He said he was at his house when Aldez “Boboy” Flores, 27, invited him to go with the group to the celebration. He agreed and brought a knapsack with him which contained his clothes.

When they reached the apartment, Flores borrowed his bag, and did not tell him he had placed a gun there.

He said the victim was sleeping when they arrived, but the girls tried to wake him up and then he slapped one of them.

“Miduol man ang Amerikano nako, mao tong sige ko ug kablit sa pusil, nya mibuto kausa, aksidente ra gyud to pagkapusila. Ang ako ba mi-defend ra ko sa mga babaye kay gidapatan man gud,” Galiste alleged yesterday.

However, Chief Insp. George Ylanan, Investigation and Detective Management Branch chief of the Cebu City Police Office, said there was really an intent to kill the victim before the group went to the apartment.

“Days before sa insidente, nagstorya na sila na patyon si Casteen, naa’y thorough planning and treachery. Naa’y conspiracy to commit the crime of murder,” Ylanan said.

Ylanan said a charge for murder will be filed against the five suspects today, including Flores and the minor-aged girlfriend of the victim who are still at large.

Ylanan said though that the girl, who is believed to be hiding here in the city with the help of her peers, has sent surrender feelers. They are now also coordinating with their counterparts in Negros Oriental after hearing a report that Flores boarded a ship bound for the said province.

The police official also said they have already informed the US Consulate what happened. The US consul will make arrangements for the victim’s cadaver, he added.

Ylanan said that the motive was jealousy. The girl wanted the victim dead because she was jealous he had another girlfriend and he no longer gave her money.

Security guard Nelson Barquio was able to apprehend the 16-year-old girl and another 17-year-old male second year high school student of Tungkop National High School in Minglanilla. The two are now under the custody of the Department of Social Welfare and Development. (FREEMAN)