By Felipe V. Celino
ROXAS CITY, Capiz – Police have identified three persons of interest in the death of a 73-year-old woman and her daughter, who were found dead inside their home at Sitio Riles, Barangay Lanot, on Wednesday morning, May 7.
Lieutenant Colonel Ricardo Jomuad, newly appointed Roxas City police chief, said he would not reveal the names of the persons of interest as the investigation is ongoing.
The victims were identified as Elma Perla, 73, and her daughter, Ruby Jean Perla, 36, a virtual assistant at a call center in the city.
Their bodies were discovered around 10:20 a.m. in the living room, lying in pools of blood with head injuries believed to have been inflicted with a hard object.
Ruby Jean’s 8-year-old son, who is on the autism spectrum, reportedly sought help from a neighbor, shouting, “Wawa is going to the hospital. Open the door.”
Roselyn Padio, Elma’s niece and neighbor, said she rang the doorbell several times but got no response.
She then climbed over the gate and entered through the unlocked kitchen door, where she found Elma unresponsive and covered in blood.
She later discovered Ruby Jean in the same area, partially undressed and also bloodied.
Responders from the Capiz Emergency Response Team (CERT) arrived but did not transport the victims to the hospital after confirming the absence of vital signs.
Jomuad said the attack likely occurred between 5 a.m. and 7 a.m.
Autopsy examinations were conducted to determine the exact causes of death.
Closed-circuit television footage showed Ruby Jean’s vehicle entering the property at 5:01 a.m., consistent with her usual routine after work.
It was learned that Ruby Jean typically arrived home around 4 a.m. and also worked as a part-time home-based tutor.
Neighbors reported hearing a commotion at around 4 a.m. but assumed it was a typical household occurrence.
Police found no signs of forced entry and no weapon at the crime scene, except a bloodstained GI square tube found in the kitchen cabinet.
Investigators believe it may have been used in the attack.
Police Colonel Albert Tapulao, Capiz police director, said a crime of passion may be the motive behind the killings.
However, he declined to elaborate as the investigation continues and the identities of those involved are still being verified.
