5 dead in Valenzuela City killing spree

MANILA, Philippines—Five people were killed, including the suspect, who allegedly massacred a family in Valenzuela City just a little after dawn Wednesday, police said.

Senior Superintendent Wilben Mayor, Valenzuela chief of police, identified the victims from the Castro Family who died on the spot as Hannah, 17; Samuel, 6; and Phoebe, 1 month old.

He said the victims were allegedly massacred inside their house along St. Joseph Street, Barangay (village) Malinta in Valenzuela City around 12:15 a.m. to 12:30 a.m., allegedly by their house helper identified as Jeffrey “Jeff” Torla, 27.

He said the victims’ mother, identified as Berna, 36, and another son, Joshua, were rushed to the hospital after likewise sustaining several stab wounds in different parts of their body, but as of posting, Berna is said to have passed away too while undergoing treatment at Jose Reyes Memorial Medical Center, along with the suspect.

Joshua remained inside the intensive care unit as of posting, Mayor said, adding that authorities have yet to locate the father of the victims, as Berna and his husband were said to have separated some two years ago.

“When authorities arrived at the area, the suspect was among the people found with stab wounds,” Mayor said, adding that Torla’s wounds were along his stomach, which may indicate that he might have inflicted this onto himself, or maybe, by his victims.

“It is still being investigated,” Mayor said.

He said the information on the incident reached their office after Joshua was able to escape from the second floor of the house and called the attention of their neighbors.

“Investigators have yet to determine, however, if the stabbing was still ongoing at the time when Joshua was able to escape,” Mayor said.

Mayor said they found from the crime scene three bladed weapons with traces of blood—a kitchen knife, a samurai, and a scissor.

As to the motive, Mayor said investigators have yet to establish what pushed Torla to kill the Castro family.