Witness comes out to bolster case vs. suspects in Anria Espiritu rape-slay in Calumpit

A witness has come out to bolster the case against the suspects in the rape-slay of a 26-year-old woman in Calumpit, Bulacan earlier this month.

 

The witness, "Christian," said victim Anria Espiritu was one of two people who boarded a green jeep before Espiritu's remains were found with multiple stab wounds last Aug. 14.

 

Lawyers for Espiritu's family believe the new testimony can bolster the case against the suspects, GMA News' Athena Imperial reported on Unang Balita.

 

"Nakita ko po 'yung pagpara nila... hanggang sa pagsakay ng dalawang pasahero," he said.

 

But Christian said he was not sure what time the victim boarded the jeep, and could only say it was between midnight Wednesday and before dawn Thursday.

 

Christian identified the driver as Baculao and one of the passengers of the jeep as Elmer.

 

Police in Calumpit have already taken Ramil Villanueva Diarca a.k.a. Baculao, and Elmer Joson, into custody.

 

Also, Christian said he came forward after learning of Espiritu's gruesome fate.

 

"Ako na rin po mismo ang kusang loob na lumapit na tulungan sila ... Gusto ko lang pong ibahagi 'yung nakita ko na huling-huli na nabubuhay pa 'yung babae," he said.

 

Meanwhile, lawyers for the Espiritu family said Christian's statements would be a big help in their case.

 

Lawyer Don Mendoza II said Christian's testimony would be corroborated with those of other witnesses who identified the suspects last seen with Anria.

 

The lawyers also believe their case would be further bolstered with the results of DNA tests.

 

"Magiging conclusive siya... with respect sa nangyaring krimen at ma-pinpoint directly ang perpetrators ng heinous act na ginawa kay Anria," said lawyer Eduardo Jerome Alejandro.

—Joel Locsin/KG, GMA News