3 nabbed for diaper store murders

MANILA, Philippines - Three suspects, including the alleged mastermind, in the killing of a woman and her father in their diaper and dry goods store in Sta. Cruz, Manila last Oct. 27 were arrested by the Manila Police District (MPD) yesterday.

Alleged mastThree suspects, including the alleged mastermind, in the killing of a woman and her father in their diaper and dry goods store in Sta. Cruz, Manila last Oct. 27 were arrested by the Manila Police District (MPD) yesterday.ermind Javonne Tolentino, 25; Kenneth Soto, 20; and an “alias Ryan,” 25, who was reportedly negotiating through his lawyer to be a state witness, were caught in separate hideouts by MPD homicide investigation head Chief Inspector Joey de Ocampo and his men.

They will be charged in connection with the shooting of Sierra Gutierrez, 28, and her father, Onofre Cruz, in their diaper and dry goods store on Felix Huertas street at around 4 p.m.

One of the suspects, Arnold Lipon, 36, was shot dead by Gutierrez. Five other suspects – “Arthur,” “Baker,” Ryan, Soto and Tolentino – escaped.

Ryan, who was arrested by MPD Station 2 police officers for car theft, admitted his complicity in the rob-slay and named Tolentino as the one who planned the heist. Tolentino and Soto denied the allegations against them.

Investigators said the suspects were seen eating at a store near the victims’ establishment an hour before the robbery.

Surveillance cameras caught Lipon, Arthur and Baker entering the store and pointing a gun at Cruz’s wife, Susan. One of the suspects went to the second floor, where the earnings for the day were kept, and took the money from Gutierrez.

Gutierrez then took her gun and shot at the suspects, hitting Lipon, while Cruz struggled with one of the suspects. At this point another suspect went into the store and shot Gutierrez and her father, killing them on the spot.

Ryan, who was accompanied by his grandmother and lawyer, refused to talk to reporters. A source said there were negotiations for him to turn state witness. The same source said Ryan admitted that he served as lookout and drove one of the motorcycles that were used as getaway vehicles.

Ryan told investigators he was given P5,000 as part of the loot but did not actually saw the shooting.

Tolentino and Soto, according to sources, also served as lookouts and were stationed a few meters outside of the store.