Thursday, August 16, 2007 Bike-riding gunmen kill theft suspects By Rhodamae M. Hernandez
A MAN and his live-in partner were shot dead by still unidentified gunmen in Piapi, Davao City, Tuesday afternoon, while riding a taxi on their way home from the Hall of Justice in Matina.
Sta. Ana police identified the victims as Arthur Villeza and Sally Flores, both residents of Mado-aw in Lasang, Davao City.
Police records showed that the incident happened at around 4 p.m. while the victims were onboard a taxicab, with plate number LWR 243, on their way home.
Police said Villeza and his live-in partner came from the Hall of Justice in Ecoland, Matina to post bail for a case filed against them.
The victims were facing theft charges after they were accused of being involved in a series of cellphone snatchings in Buhangin.
The taxicab carrying the suspects was traveling along Quezon Boulevard in Piapi when two motorcycle-riding men, armed with caliber .45 pistol, appeared and without provocation shoot them.
Villeza succumbed to gunshot wounds on his neck, causing his instantaneous death. His live-in partner was also hit on her head, the bullet exited on her face. She later died in the hospital.
The suspects fled after the incident.
Recovered from the crime scene were two empty shells of caliber .45 pistol.
Police are conducting further investigation to identify the killers and determine the motive of the incident.
