News Family of Slain Nursing Grad Cries for Justice

08/13/2007 12:04 PM


The family of a slain nursing graduate who was stabbed dead along General Kalentong Ave. in Mandaluyong City on Aug. 6 is appealing for witnesses to come out to help solve his senseless killing.

Glen Garcia, 23, a graduate of De Los Santos-STI College, was on his way home around 10 p.m. when he was stabbed on the chest. The single thrust of a kitchen knife was so deep it cut off a vital part of Glen’s heart that he didn’t make it to the nearest hospital.

A barangay tanod who saw Glen from a distance saw him walking wobbly, clutching his backpack and thought he was drunk .

Apparently, despite the presence of some people in the area like small store owners and tricycle drivers, Glen failed to ask for help.

The wound on his chest prevented him from speaking a word and so Glen desperately tried to reach the San Juan apartment where he is staying with a brother and two cousins to seek help.

The crime scene was a few blocks away from the apartment.

The tanod saw Glen drop once, got up and drop again. It was at this instance that he knew something serious was going on. He immediately brought Glen to the Lourdes Hospital in Sta. Mesa where doctors tried to revive him.

At past 10 on the same night, Glen was pronounced dead, his face still showing marks of the pain he went through.

Glen has just finished the recently held nursing board exams and was eagerly waiting for the results expected this month.

Being the youngest in a brood of four, Glen dreamed of going to the United States to work and replace his parents who have been working there for seven years.

Family and friends describe the 23-year-old as kind-hearted and gentle. The news of his death came to them as a huge shock as Glen never developed a single enemy in his lifetime.

Relatives said that the pain of losing Glen this soon and this violent is an indescribable experience for those who love him dearly and saw him grow up to be a fine, responsible, young man.

Up to this moment, the Mandaluyong police could not pinpoint a suspect and the cause of the attack.

Aside from the barangay tanod who brought the victim to the hospital, none of the people who were near the area during the crime has yet to come out to coordinate with authorities.

Glen’s parents, Editha and Gener, who flew all the way from the US are appealing for witnesses to come out to help solve the case.

Relatives said that if witnesses are not comfortable contacting the police, they may reach the Garcia family through this number, 0919-5765811.

Relative also said that the Garcia family is determined to use all legal means to seek justice for Glen’s death. There have been some concerned citizens who have relayed information to Glen’s family as to the identity of his assailant or assailants but the Garcias said that they would appreciate it if witnesses would personally come forward to them if not to the police.

They said that Glen’s case should also serve as a warning to people who frequent the bridge along the San Juan-Mandaluyong boundary to be cautious as there have been reports of perennial robbery and murder cases in the area that remain unresolved.

From Mandaluyong City, where friends and relatives braved the ugly weather for three days to say their last goodbyes to him, Glen’s remains have been brought to Marinduque to his grieving family and kin. They are scheduled to bury him on Tuesday, August 14. - Courtesy of GMANews.TV