New suspect in Conde slaying nabbed

ANGELES CITY -- Police here arrested and charged on Sunday a new suspect in the killing of Danielle Louise “Danni” Huet Conde, a freshman engineering student of Holy Angel University (HAU).

Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan said the city police headed by Senior Superintendent Jose Santiago Hidalgo Jr. nabbed Vladimir Ordoryo Dianzon, 32, at his residence in 48 San Rafael Street, Barangay Telebastagan, City of San Fernando.

Hidalgo said there was a twist in the outcome of the investigation after new witnesses surfaced, while pieces of evidence, including fingerprints on stolen items, were gathered by the Special Investigation Task Group (SITG)-Danielle.

Investigators recovered a backpack containing several stolen gadgets and wristwatches inside the victim’s apartment.

Conde was stabbed to death last March 2 inside her apartment in Barangay Santo Cristo here.

The first suspect, Rolando Estrada of Barangay Lourdes Sur who surrendered to authorities, was released from the custody of Angeles City Police Office upon the order of Prosecutor Mark Oliver Sison in view of the new development.

Two additional witnesses have confirmed the identity of Dianzon as the man with bloodstains on his right hand whom they saw fleeing the crime scene on board a bicycle.

The same witnesses also confirmed the description of the said bicycle, which was recovered by authorities in Barangay Capaya here.

The bicycle was turned over to the Scene of the Crime Operatives-Crime Laboratory Office for forensic examination as bloodstains are visible on its frame.

“Additionally, one of the first witnesses, a 12-year-old boy, retracted his previous statement and confirmed the identity of the new suspect as the one he saw leaving the apartment of the victim,” Hidalgo added.

Dianzon reportedly admitted to the crime and narrated to police that he abandoned his bicycle in the said village.

Hidalgo said, however, that this cannot be used in court against the suspect, describing it as self-incrimination.

“Basta ibinase lang namin ang kaso [namin laban sa suspek] sa mga evidence na nakalap namin at sa mga testimonies ng mga witnesses,” Hidalgo said.

A case of robbery with homicide was filed against the suspect, who was subjected to inquest proceedings.

Pamintuan, who expressed sadness over the killing, lauded the efforts of the city police for solving the case.

Hidalgo thanked Pamintuan for his relentless support during the pursuit operations conducted by the task group.

Meanwhile, a post in the Facebook page dedicated to the slain student expressed apologies to Estrada, who was earlier tagged as a suspect behind Danni’s death.

“Last night after the interment of Danni, around 9:45 p.m., we received a call from the authorities that a new suspect has been captured… and he actually CONFESSED,” the post read.

“This morning, Roland was released… proven (sic) beyond allegation that he is innocent and not involved in this crime. Our apology (sic); you are also a big help to trace and lead the suspect. God bless you Roland,” the post added.

It was not clear in the reports how Estrada came to be considered a suspect, but strong evidence against the new suspect has prompted the police to release him from custody. (Sun.Star Pampanga/Sunnex)