Tondo vendor mauled, shot, stabbed in front of horrified wife, sister

A 35-year old vendor in Tondo, Manila was mauled, shot and then stabbed dead in front of his shocked wife and sister the other night.

Investigators of the Western Police District Homicide Section identified the victim as Ronald Lauz, of 1981 Almeda St., Tondo. The three suspects, identified as Bonifacio dela Cruz, 49, a buy and sell businessman; of 1987 Almeda St., Tondo; and his sons Jonrad dela Cruz, 23, of 1987 Almeda St.; and Ronnie dela Cruz, 24, of 1887 Almeda St.; are now being hunted down.

Initial police investigation showed that the victim was about to enter his house with his wife Jennifer at about 6:00 p.m. when the three suspects suddenly appeared.

Without saying a word, Bonifacio took out a handgun of still unknown caliber and shot the victim at pointblank range. After firing once, Ronnie grabbed the victim and started mauling him. Apparently not contended, Jonrad whipped out a knife and stabbed the victim repeatedly.

Police said the victim’s wife and sister tried to pacify the suspects but failed to get their attention.

After seeing Lauz limp and bloody, the suspects fled, taking with them the knife and the gun.

Neighbors rushed Lauz to the nearby Jose Reyes Memorial Medical Center, but he was declared dead on arrival.

Investigators said the brutal incident was triggered by an old grudge between the victim and the suspects.

Meanwhile, a family driver was shot dead early yesterday morning by a laborer inside the Bataan Shipyard Company (Baseco) compound in Tondo. Police identified the victim as Domingo Domitita, 31, a native of the Bicol Rigion and a resident of Block 9, Baseco Compound.

The suspect, Ding Usman, 19, also a resident of the Baseco Compound, fled after the incident and is now being tracked down.

Police said that at about 1:20 a.m., Domitita and Usman were drinking in front of the victim’s house when a heated discussion erupted. Investigators said Usman then hurriedly left for home and shortly returned with a handgun. Police said Usman fired once at pointblank range killing Domitita on the spot.