Man kills accuser to avoid jail

MANILA, Philippines - A man who feared life in jail allegedly killed a lot caretaker who accused him of stealing P900 in Sta. Cruz, Manila yesterday morning.

Senior Police Officer 2 Richard Lumbad said the victim, Hernando Leonor, 35, suspected Louie Tolentino, 22, of stealing his P900 while he was sleeping in his shanty at a vacant lot at the corner of Aurora Boulevard and Cavite street in Sta. Cruz. Leonor reportedly said he would see Tolentino rot in jail for the rest of his life.

The unschooled Tolentino, who reportedly detest the thought of spending life in jail, confronted Leonor to deny the allegation. The confrontation, however, turned violent and Tolentino pulled out a knife and stabbed the victim in the chest.

Barangay councilmen Manuel Medrano and Joselito de la Cruz responded and nabbed the suspect, who gave up peacefully. The fatal knife was recovered from the suspect’s possession.

Homicide section head Chief Inspector Alberto Peco said murder charges are being prepared against Tolentino, which, if proven, will put the suspect behind bars for the rest of his life.   – Nestor Etolle