TACLOBAN CITY – A jealous farmer killed the mother of his child in Barangay San Roque, Sogod, Southern Leyte, then hanged himself after the crime in Sitio Servanda, Barangay Tinago, Tomas Oppus, Southern Leyte, on Sunday, July 23.
Police identified the suspect as Albert Escabosa, 47, a resident of Sitio Servanda.
Initial investigation said Escabosa barged inside the house of the victim, Susana Sagaldia, and killed her and wounded her husband, Loreto, 45, and his two children, Jayson, 18, and Genalyn, 17.
Police thought Loreto was the suspect because Susana's daughter kept on mentioning her “Papa” every time they asked about the suspect on their way to the hospital.
But police realized that Loreto was not the suspect when the child said the perpetrator was clad in a bonnet, jacket, and boots, items Loreto was not wearing when he was found bleeding several meters away from their house.
Police said they were unable to question Loreto due to pain from wounds in different parts of his body.
Hours later, police learned the death of Escabosa in the neighboring town of Tomas Oppus.
Police found out in a follow-up investigation that Escabosa and the victim became lovers after Loreto was incarcerated and had a three-year-old child.
Lawmen also learned that Loreto was recently released after five years in jail.
Police said Loreto’s release prevented the victim and the suspect from continuing their relationship, prompting Escabosa to kill Susana.