Suspect identified in killing of American national, Filipina wife in Dumaguete

Police have identified a suspect in the killing of an American national and his Filipina wife inside their home in Barangay Bajumpandan, Dumaguete City, marking a major development in the investigation.

Capt. Stephen Polinar, spokesperson for the Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office, said the couple’s household helper positively identified the suspect from photographs in a police rogue’s gallery.

According to Polinar, the helper identified the man as the same individual who allegedly pointed a gun at her and tied her up before 72-year-old American national Mark Duell and his 71-year-old Filipina wife, Elisea Duell, were fatally shot inside the main house.

Police have not released the suspect’s name or other identifying details because he remains at large.

Investigators are also looking into the possible involvement of a second suspect in the deadly attack.

Authorities are expected to file a robbery with homicide complaint against the identified suspect before the Dumaguete City Prosecutor’s Office on Thursday.

The development was relayed to the Duell family as Mark and Elisea were laid to rest in Dumaguete on Wednesday.

The Special Investigation Task Force Duell will continue pursuing leads until the suspect or suspects are arrested, Polinar said.

The couple was shot at close range inside their residence in Barangay Bajumpandan last week. Police initially investigated the killings as a possible robbery.

With a suspect now positively identified, authorities are shifting their focus toward locating and arresting the alleged gunman while determining whether others helped carry out the attack.