Jeweler’s son found dead

A businessman-son of millionaire-jeweler Rodolfo "Ding" Velayo was found dead, his body in a late stage of decomposition, in his house in an upscale village in Las Piñas City yesterday afternoon.

Police said the body of Rodolfo Velayo Jr., 38, was in a pool of blood when he was discovered by his friend and neighbor, real estate broker Alice Laurente, in the kitchen of his house at 22 Guada Sanchez St., BF Resort Village, Talon II, Las Piñas City at around 12:30 p.m.

Laurente, 50, said she was concerned after noticing that Velayo had not paid her a visit since their last meeting on Oct. 29.

Going to the quiet house to check out the condition of her friend, Laurente said she was assaulted by a foul odor, like that of a dead rat, when she walked around the house and reached the kitchen.

After peering through the kitchen window and seeing blood splattered on the floor, Laurente said she decided to force open the door and discovered Velayo lying lifeless on the floor, with flies swarming all over his body.

She immediately notified their village security force which, in turn, notified the police. Police said the body was already in a late stage of decomposition, making them surmise that Velayo was killed more than six days ago.

Velayo was half-naked, wearing only a pair of shorts.

It was learned that Velayo lived alone in the house. Velayo had reportedly separated from his wife and their children are in her care.

Police said Velayo’s killing may have been perpetrated by "Akyat-Bahay Gang" men. Velayo, they theorized, may have fought the intruders resulting in their killing him.

Probers said valuables and appliances were missing from the house.

Laurente told probers that in her last meeting with Velayo, he told her that he was selling his house and urged her to look for a buyer.