Couple shot dead inside home in Isabela

RAMON, Isabela – A 59-year-old farmer and his 58-year-old wife were shot dead on Thursday by an unidentified gunman who sneaked into their home at 2 a.m.

The killer attacked Victor and Marlyn Benito in the presence of their grandchildren in Purok 7-Bantay Wawa, Planas village, said Chief Insp. Genesis Cabacungan, Ramon police chief.

The gunman, armed with a Cal. 45 handgun, broke into a room where Marlyn and a grandson were sleeping and shot the grandmother in the head.

The gunshots startled Victor, who proceeded to Marlyn’s room, leaving behind the second grandchild.

He was repeatedly shot by the gunmen.

“We have a lead on the case… [The attacks here are] related to the killing of their brothers in 2013,” Cabacungan said. He did not elaborate.

Roel, the couple’s son, said he was traumatized by the killing of his parents.

“They have been very kind and have no known enemies so I was puzzled why they were killed,” he said.

Forensic investigators found six empty shells and two bullet slugs at the crime scene.

The couple’s remains were brought to the Agustin Funeral Homes for autopsy.