Family seeks justice as suspect in child's brutal killing is released

• A 59-year-old man suspected in the brutal killing of an eight-year-old boy was released from police custody on Tuesday
• The City Prosecutor’s Office ruled that the testimonial evidence presented by the San Pablo Police was currently insufficient for detention
• Authorities are now tasked with finding the weapon and physical evidence related to the death of the Grade 3 student who vanished last Friday
• The victim’s father expressed his heartbreak over the release of the suspect who is also his first cousin and neighbor

The community of San Pablo City, Laguna, is reeling after the primary suspect in the tragic death of an eight-year-old boy was released from police custody on Tuesday. The City Prosecutor’s Office ordered the release of the 59-year-old man on Monday night, citing that the testimonial evidence provided by the local police was not enough to keep him behind bars.

The victim, a Grade 3 student, went missing last Friday while on his way to school. His body was later discovered in a grassy area near a cave, bearing multiple stab wounds. The discovery sparked outrage and fear in the neighborhood, leading to a swift investigation by the San Pablo Police.

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By Sunday, two witnesses had come forward to identify the suspect, who is a cousin of the child’s father and lives in the same neighborhood. However, the police admitted they have not yet recovered the bladed weapon used in the crime or the bloodstained clothing the suspect reportedly wore.

Despite the release, the investigation remains active. The prosecutor has directed the police to gather more physical evidence to build a stronger case. For now, the suspect has returned home, maintaining his innocence.

“Mali po ang paratang nila. Hindi ko po ginagawa ’yun. Malinis po ang konsensya ko,” he said during a statement.

However, the father of the victim, Jun-Jun Suarez, remains firm in his belief that his relative is responsible. The betrayal is particularly painful because of their close family ties.

“Hindi ako makapaniwala na kamag-anak ko pa ang gagawa ng krimen sa anak ko kasi kami naman ay magpinsang buo. Ang kaniyang ama at aking ina ay magkapatid,” Suarez shared. He pleaded for a confession to help ease the family's suffering, adding, “Aminin na niya nang mabawasan naman ang sama ng loob ko sa kanila.”

Investigators believe the motive stems from a "children's quarrel." Reportedly, the young victim was often involved in disputes with the suspect's granddaughter, which may have led to the fatal confrontation.

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This case highlights the growing concern regarding safety in local communities and the complexities of seeking justice when the accused is a family member. San Pablo City, known for its peaceful Seven Lakes, has been deeply shaken by this act of violence against a defenseless minor.

This article reports on the initial capture of the 59-year-old suspect after witnesses identified him to the police. It details the intense public reaction following the discovery of the young boy's body in a grassy area. The report emphasizes the community's demand for a swift and fair trial for the victim.

In this follow-up, the suspect officially denies the allegations against him while in police custody. The article explores the suspect's defense and his claims that he had nothing to do with the child's passing. It also provides more context on the family dynamics between the suspect and the grieving father.

Source: KAMI.com.gh