1 month ago
19
CEBU CITY — Authorities have formally filed charges of murder and two counts of parricide against Carlo Camporedondo, 33, in connection with the killings of his live-in partner and two children in Barangay Lutac, City of Naga, on Jan. 27.
Camporedondo, a coconut vendor, is currently under hospital arrest after sustaining knee injury following a violent confrontation with police.
The suspect sustained a gunshot wound on his right knee when he attacked arresting officers with the same bolo knife he allegedly used in the brutal murders of 32-year-old Junelyn Jimenez and their children, 11-year-old John Carlo and 2-year-old LJ.
According to Lt. Col. Verniño Noserale, chief of the City of Naga Police Station, the police spent several hours locating Camporedondo after the crime, which occurred around 10:30 a.m. at the family's residence in Sitio Kamanggahan, Purok Lutac.
Police tracked the suspect to Barangay Cogon, located 4.4 kilometers from the crime scene. A manhunt operation, assisted by a drone from the City of Toledo, ultimately led to his capture.
Get the latest news
delivered to your inbox
Sign up for The Manila Times newsletters
By signing up with an email address, I acknowledge that I have read and agree to the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
During the arrest, Camporedondo attempted to attack one of the officers with the bolo, prompting the police to use reasonable force to subdue him. Camporedondo was then transported to a hospital for treatment of his knee injury.
The authorities are focusing on several possible motives behind the brutal killings, including Camporedondo's reported gambling problems, possible drug abuse and mental health issues.
Noserale confirmed that police are investigating how these factors, including gambling and financial stress, may have contributed to the tragedy.
Family members of Camporedondo have also spoken out, claiming that his mental health issues had worsened over time.
According to reports, he had been hospitalized last year for a psychiatric evaluation but continued to struggle with substance abuse, particularly the use of shabu, which further affected his behavior.
The couple's surviving 7-year-old child, who was at school during the incident, has been placed under the care of the City Social Welfare and Development Office for counseling and psychological support.
The City of Naga government has pledged financial assistance to the victims' surviving relatives, including covering funeral expenses for Jimenez and her two children.
The tragic case has prompted renewed discussions surrounding substance abuse, mental health and the impact of domestic violence, as the community and law enforcement officials continue to investigate the disturbing events.
