Four Suspects Apprehended in Grisly Murder of Police Officer and Young Son
In a shocking development, authorities have arrested four individuals, including the estranged husband, in connection with the brutal killing of Police Senior Master Sergeant Diane Marie Mollenido and her eight-year-old son. The arrests follow a harrowing investigation that uncovered the victims' bodies in separate locations, revealing a tragic tale of domestic violence and alleged criminal conspiracy.
Key Suspects and Evidence Recovered
Among those taken into custody is Police Senior Master Sergeant John Mollenido, the former spouse of the deceased policewoman. He was apprehended alongside three other suspects, including a couple who worked as car sales agents. Investigators have reportedly recovered critical evidence, such as the adult victim's cellphone from the suspects, which may provide vital clues to the motive and timeline of the crime.
Additionally, the vehicle that Diane Marie Mollenido had sold prior to her disappearance was found in Benguet, while the sport utility vehicle (SUV) believed to have been used to transport the victims' bodies was located in Pampanga. These recoveries highlight the extensive efforts by law enforcement to piece together the events leading to the murders.
Discovery of the Victims' Bodies
The case began when Mollenido and her son went missing on January 16, shortly after she completed the sale of her private car. The policewoman's body was discovered on January 25 in a creek along the Pulilan–Baliuag Bypass Road in Bulacan. Wrapped in cloth, black garbage bags, and plastic, her remains were in an advanced state of decomposition and showed a gunshot wound to the head, indicating a violent end.
In a separate and equally distressing find, the boy's body was confirmed by his father to have been located at a calamansi farm in Barangay Maluid, Victoria, Tarlac. Like his mother, the child's body was also in a state of decomposition, underscoring the severity of the crime and the emotional toll on the family.
Investigation Details and Suspect Implication
The car sales agents were initially identified as persons of interest, as the victims were last seen alive at their residence. Investigators reportedly collected blood samples from various areas within the couple's house, suggesting a possible crime scene. In a significant turn, the female car sales agent has implicated Police Senior Master Sergeant John Mollenido in the killing of his former wife and son, adding a layer of complexity to the case.
This arrest marks a crucial step in seeking justice for the victims, as authorities continue to delve into the motives and full extent of the involvement of all suspects. The community remains in shock over this tragic incident, which highlights ongoing concerns about domestic violence and crime within the region.
