Cops hunt killers of American biologist in Negros Oriental

TAGBILARAN CITY — The American shot dead inside his home in Sibulan, Negros Oriental, on Sunday night was identified as Kent Carpenter, 73, a biologist and adjunct professor at Silliman University’s Institute of Environmental and Marine Sciences.

Police, meanwhile, have intensified their hunt for his killers.

Initial investigation showed that three unidentified men wearing bonnets forced their way into Carpenter’s residence in Purok 3, Barangay Ajong, between 9:30 p.m. and 10 p.m. One of the suspects allegedly shot him in the head while he and his Filipino companion were inside the house.

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The victim was having dinner with his 34-year-old Filipina live-in partner in his home in Purok 3, Barangay Ajong late Sunday night, according to the Philippine National Police (PNP).

“Three men in bonnets suddenly entered the home and quickly shot the victim,” PNP public information chief Col. Allen Rae Co told reporters in an interview in Camp Crame.

In a statement earlier on Tuesday, the Police Regional Office Negros Island Region detailed that Carpenter had been shot in the head, resulting in his death.

“The live-in partner was tied up and they took several items, a laptop, some cash and a backpack containing IDs, then the perpetrators left.”

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He later noted that the live-in partner, whom he did not immediately name, only sustained bruises from the incident.

The PRO NIR has since created a special investigation task group to look into the incident, Co said.

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He further detailed that police investigators have already determined at least one person of interest allegedly behind the killing, but he did not immediately name them.

“We’re looking at all motives… We are not discounting anything,” Co added.

He noted that Carpenter had been in the Philippines since 1975.

READ: Special task group probes fatal shooting of American marine scientist

Police immediately secured the area and requested the Scene of the Crime Operatives (Soco) to conduct a forensic examination and collect evidence.

The Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office said investigators are pursuing all possible leads and coordinating with other law enforcement agencies to identify, locate, and arrest the suspects.

Authorities appealed to anyone with information about the incident to report to the nearest police station or contact the Sibulan Municipal Police Station as the investigation continues.

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Police assured the public that all necessary efforts are being undertaken to bring those responsible to justice and maintain peace and order in Negros Oriental./coa