A FORMER watchman of Barangay Vito, Sagay City was shot dead while his granddaughter was wounded when hit by a stray bullet of unidentified motorcycle-riding assailants at Aguilar St., Barangay Poblacion 1, Sagay City on February 18.

The victim was identified as Jesus Juico, 56 years old and resident of Barangay Vito.

Sagay City Police Chief Major Antonio Benitez said based on their initial investigation, the victim arrived at the area with his wife and granddaughter to attend a birthday party. Upon his arrival, two male suspects riding on a red motorcycle arrived and shot the victim several times hitting him at the different parts of his body. The suspects who were wearing bonnets immediately fled to unknown direction.

The victim was immediately rushed by Sagay rescue team to Lopez District Farmers Hospital Inc. (LODIFHI), Sagay City, but was declared dead on arrival (DOA) by the attending physician.

Meanwhile the victim’s granddaughter was also hit by a stray bullet on her stomach during the shooting of Suico. She was also brought to the same hospital for immediate treatment and is now in stable condition.

Hot pursuit operation is being conducted by the police to identify the said suspects.

Benitez said police investigation showed that the killing could be caused by an old grudge and could also be drug related. (TDE)