Possible culprit in death of stray-bullet victim Stephanie Nicole identified—De Lima

CLASSMATES’ PROTEST Nicole Ella dances the hours away before New Year’s Eve. By midnight, a stray bullet had snuffed out the life of the little girl who loved Barbie. At right, pupils of Tala Elementary School march to Nicole’s house. PHOTO COURTESY OF ELLA FAMILY

MANILA, Philippines—The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has identified a possible suspect in the death of 7-year-old Stephanie Nicole Ella, who was killed after being hit by a celebratory stray bullet to the head during the New Year revelry on Dec. 31.

Justice Secretary Leila De Lima, however, refused to identify the person saying that the investigation is still ongoing.

The NBI has also conducted a separate examination of the victim’s body.

“Meron ding eye-witness account kung sino at kung kaninong baril ’yon,” De Lima said.

She added that the NBI has also started monitoring the movements of the suspect.

“Once the NBI has finished its investigation, the person will be subjected to preliminary investigation,” De Lima told reporters Tuesday.