Businessman shot dead in Himamaylan

A 46-year-old businessman was gunned down in front of their store in Barangay IV-Poblacion, Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental Saturday. (Photo courtesy of Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office)

By Glazyl Y. Masculino

BACOLOD City – Police already have persons of interest behind the killing of a businessman in Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental last Saturday.

But Lieutenant Colonel Anthony Grande, city police chief, refused to elaborate on the motive of the incident, so as not to hamper the investigation.

Grande said the victim identified as 46-year-old Nickie Grucen was attending to his customers in front of their store in Barangay IV-Poblacion when an unidentified person approached and shot him from behind.

Grucen’s wife was inside the store when the incident happened.

The victim suffered a lone gunshot wound in the nape and was declared dead in a hospital, according to Grande.

Police recovered from the scene a fired bullet from a .45 caliber firearm. No other injuries were reported, despite some people also being present in the area.

Grande said the suspect reportedly fled on board a motorcycle. He said they would have to verify first if the gunman had companions as look-outs in the area.

He said they already have a lead but he cannot disclose other details, in the meantime. He added that the victim’s family is cooperating in the investigation.