The United States Embassy in Manila has authorized the autopsy of the body of a 72-year-old American national who was shot dead along with his Filipina wife inside their rented house in Barangay Bajumpandan, Dumaguete City, early Wednesday, September 2.
Capt. Stephen Polinar, spokesperson of the Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office (NOrPPO), said on Thursday that the embassy issued the necessary certification after the victim’s brother gave his consent.
“We are expecting the autopsy to be carried out today and we hope the results will aid investigators in their probe on the shooting-to-death of Mark Duell and his Filipina wife,” Polinar said.
The body of the victim’s wife, 71-year-old Elsie Duell, had already undergone an autopsy, he added.
The Duells were gunned down inside their rented house in Purok Katubhan, Barangay Bajumpandan, by still unidentified suspects who remain at large.
Police recovered slugs and spent shells from a .45 caliber pistol inside the house, Polinar said.
The Special Investigation Task Group Duell is awaiting the results of the ballistic examination to determine whether the same firearm was used in killing both victims.
Initial police investigation indicated that at least two suspects may have been involved, although the couple’s 53-year-old caretaker told investigators she saw only one armed man.
The suspects allegedly held the caretaker at gunpoint and tied her up inside the maid’s quarters before proceeding to the main house, police said.
Investigators are looking into robbery with homicide as a possible motive after an estimated PHP60,000 in cash, gold jewelry, and other valuables were reported missing from the couple’s residence.
Polinar said the missing items were established based on information provided by the wife’s family, who told police that Mark usually carried cash in his pocket and kept some money in a drawer.
Meanwhile, police are appealing to neighbors and other nearby residents who may have security camera footage that could help identify the suspects and lead to their arrest.
Polinar said the couple’s rented house did not have a closed-circuit television camera.*PNA
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