Gunman in fatal Parañaque shooting nabbed after 48-hour manhunt
The arrested gunman in the shooting incident in Parañaque City and the pieces of evidence recovered (Photo from SPD)
Police arrested Friday night, March 6, the alleged gunman in a fatal shooting at a condominium basketball court in Parañaque City that killed two men and critically wounded four others, following a 48-hour manhunt.
The suspect, identified as William, 59, a resident of Barangay Marcelo Green, Parañaque City, was apprehended at around 8:30 p.m. in a condominium unit in Barangay Moonwalk.
According to Southern Police District (SPD) director Brig. Gen. Randy Arceo, the suspect fatally shot Edwin, 57, and Arjay, 29, and wounded four others who were playing basketball at the time.
Recovered from the suspect were two 9mm pistols, several magazines, and ammunition.
Investigators discovered that the suspect had a prior homicide case in Taguig City in 2012, with a warrant of arrest issued against him by a Regional Trial Court in June 2023.
Authorities also learned that the suspect had argued with one of the fatalities and the wounded victims three months ago.
Parañaque City Police chief Col. Nicolas Pinon said on Wednesday night, March 4, the suspect reportedly left his unit, entered the basketball court through the main gate, and began firing at the group of men.
Pinon said CCTV footage showed the victims scampered in different directions. Two of them sustained critical injuries and later died from gunshot wounds.
The suspect then exited through the main gate of the basketball court and fled on foot toward a nearby mall.
The four wounded victims were rushed to a hospital after the incident and were reported in unstable condition.
“Within just over 48 hours from the commission of the crime, our personnel were able to identify, locate, and arrest the suspect through determined investigation and coordination among police units. The Southern Police District will continue to act swiftly to ensure accountability and protect our communities,” Arceo said.