3 of 4 suspects in killing of marine biologist Kent Carpenter arrested —PNP

Three of the four suspects in the killing of American marine biologist Kent Carpenter have been arrested, the Philippine National Police announced Thursday.

"The Regional Director of Police Regional Office NIR (Negros Island Region), Police Brigadier General (Romano) Cardiño, reported to the Chief PNP that they've already arrested three of the four suspects in the killing of the American marine biologists," PNP public information chief Police Col. Allen Rae Co said in a press conference.

He said those arrested were alias M.O., 26 years old, alleged gunman; alias J.F., the one who allegedly sexually assaulted the live-in partner of the victim; and alias C.D., alleged lookout.

Carpenter, 73, was shot dead after three unidentified men reportedly forced their way into his residence in Barangay Ajong, Sibulan, late Sunday night.

He was watching television when one of the suspects allegedly shot him in the head before the group fled.

Carpenter was known for his research on coral reefs and marine biodiversity, and authorities noted that his scientific work had contributed to the Philippines’ case in the 2016 arbitral ruling on the West Philippine Sea.

Who is Kent Carpenter? The marine biologist whose work backed PH arbitral win

—AOL, GMA News