Family of 3 slain over computer games

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines – Three members of a family operating an Internet café were stabbed dead by an alleged computer game addict in Isabela, Negros Occidental on Saturday.

The fatalities were identified as Ricardo Carpentero, 57; his wife Consuelo, 59, and their son Carlo, 23. 

The couple’s daughter Sheila Mae, 25, was brought to a hospital in this city for treatment of stab wounds.

Carlos’ seven-year-old son was unharmed after he hid under the bed during the incident that occurred at the family’s residence in Barangay Cansalongon.

The boy told police he was awakened by the commotion and saw the killing.  He said he hid and stayed silent out of fear for his life.

Chief Inspector Anthony Grande, town police chief, identified the suspect as Jemar Carpio, 27, who fled, leaving behind the murder weapon and a pair of slippers.

Investigators said Carpio does not pay every time he plays an online game at the victims’ shop.

Reports said the night before the killing, Carlo asked Carpio to vacate the computer, as a group of teenagers wanted to rent it.

The suspect obeyed and returned at 1:30 a.m. asking that he be allowed to use the computer. Carlo refused as it was closing time.

Carpio left and returned reportedly armed with a bladed weapon and stabbed Carlo.

Ricardo came to check the commotion, but he, too, was stabbed in the chest.

The suspect entered the victims’ house and stabbed Sheila Mae and Consuelo, who was able to run outside and ask for help.

Consuelo told neighbors that Carpio attacked them.

The suspect fled after the incident, leaving behind the 15-inch knife he used in the killing, and a pair of slippers.

Grande said Carlo died at the scene while Ricardo died while being rushed to a nearby hospital, where the other victims were taken for treatment.

Consuelo died as she was being transferred to a hospital in this city, located some 72 kilometers from Isabela.