Judge junks Davantes slay suspect’s guilty plea

MANILA, Philippines - A Las Piñas regional trial court (RTC) judge rejected yesterday a guilty plea by one of six men accused of killing advertising executive Kristelle Davantes.

Samuel Decimo, 19, admitted to killing and robbing Davantes when the charge of robbery with homicide was read in Filipino during his arraignment yesterday along with co-accused Kelvin Evangelista and Jomar Pepito, who pleaded not guilty.

Judge Salvador Timbang expressed doubt over Decimo’s admission. He asked the teenager’s court-appointed lawyer, Antonio Manzano, if he explained to his client the implication of a guilty plea.

Manzano said Decimo and the other accused had been informed of their rights prior to the arraignment.

When asked why he admitted to the crime, Decimo said he wanted a lower sentence. Timbang then ordered that he be put on the witness stand for further questioning.

Decimo, who said he stabbed Davantes upon the gang’s orders, told the court that he pled guilty because a National Bureau of Investigation lawyer assured him his sentence will be reduced if he admitted the crime.

Decimo said he was aware of the sentence that may be imposed on him but is prepared for the consequences of his actions.

When asked by State Prosecutor Mark Estefa if somebody paid him to admit the crime, Decimo said he “just invited” the four other accused, but did not elaborate.

After hearing Decimo’s testimony, Timbang ruled that his guilty plea was not voluntary and entered a not guilty plea on the teenager’s behalf. The judge set the pre-trial of the case next year.

On Oct. 17, Timbang also entered not guilty pleas for Reggie Diel and Lloyd Benedict Enriquez, who denied killing the victim but admitted to robbing her.

Only suspect Baser Minalang remains at large.

All six men are accused of snatching Davantes on Sept. 7 while she was opening the gate of her house in Moonwalk Subdivision, forcing her into her car and driving her to Cavite, where her body was found under a bridge.