The third and last suspect in the brutal killing of Binalbagan Catholic College (BCC) teacher Tony Lazaga surrendered on Friday, August 18, Maj. Randy Babor, Binalbagan police chief, said.
He identified the suspect as Jonathan Santella, 22, of Brgy. San Jose, Binalbagan.
Santella along with John Paul Fernandez, 21, and Johnrey Castino, 19, who were arrested earlier, are facing robbery with homicide charges for the death of Lazaga.
Lazaga was stabbed to death 16 times while on the way to his boarding house in Brgy. San Pedro, Binalbagan, early Wednesday morning, August 16.
After the killing Santella escaped to Barangay Inolingan, Moises Padilla, where he stayed with relatives.
On Friday he surrendered to Moises Padilla Vice Mayor Ian Villaflor who coordinated with Binalbagan Mayor Alejando Mirasol for his turnover to the Binalbagan police.
Castino said he and companions were just “tripping” .
They followed Lazaga and Santella pointed his knife at him, Castino said.
The teacher hit him on the head with his umbrella and shouted for help prompting Santella to stab him multiple times, while their other companion held him down, Castino said.
The initial plan was just to follow and scare the victim, he said. *