Suspect in 2016 murders in Laguna falls in Cavite

SAN PEDRO CITY — Another suspect in the 2016 killing and rape of a woman and the death of her son was arrested in General Mariano Alvarez (GMA), Cavite on Monday afternoon.

The suspect, Bryan Avistado, was arrested in a joint operation by the San Pedro and GMA police before 5 p.m. in Barangay San Rafael in GMA town.

Supt. Giovannie Martinez, the police chief, said Avistado was wanted for two counts of murder and rape of Pearl Helene Sta. Ana, 29, and her one-year-old son, Denzel, on March 2, 2016.

Avistado was identified by Ramoncito Galo, who confessed to the crime in 2016. Galo, in his affidavit, said Pearl Helene’s husband, Ricardo Sta. Ana, was the mastermind and that they were paid P50,000 to kill the victims at their home in Sta. Rosa City.

Based on investigation, the suspects posed as employees of a telecommunication company, which was the reason Pearl Helene had let them into their home. Both the mother and child died of head injuries caused by a hammer.

In 2016, the Department of Justice dismissed the charges against Avistado for insufficient evidence.

“The case could be re-opened should there be any new revelations by (Avistado),” Martinez said in a phone interview.

He added Avistado is temporarily detained here but would be turned over to Sta. Rosa City police. /ee