Two of the three suspects in the murder of the brother of Negros Oriental’s Valencia town mayor, and another individual, were shot dead late Wednesday night, February 8, hours after they were released from detention.

Danish Tim Moerch, 45 years old, of West Balabag and Myla Ozoa Cagas of Barangay Cadawinon in Dumaguete City, were killed minutes apart at around 11:20 p.m. in Valencia’s Barangay Balugo.

Moerch’s legal wife, Karen Kate Cadiente, who was riding with him on a motorcycle at that time, was also shot dead during the attack.

Moerch and Cagas, including John Edward Remollo of San Jose town, were the suspects in the killing of Don Paulo Teves, younger brother of Mayor Edgar Teves, Jr. and son of former Mayor Edgar Teves, Sr. last Monday, February 6.

Assistant Provincial Prosecutor Florence Ed Obial-Kadusale ordered the release of Moerch and Cagas on Wednesday, citing irregularities in the manner of their arrest.

It was not immediately known if Remollo was also released.

Moerch and Cagas were taken into police custody on Monday, hours after the body of the young Teves was found wrapped in a blanket and plastic at a dumpster in Valencia.

On the other hand, Remollo was nabbed the following day.

The victim died of a single gunshot wound to the head.

Personal grudge is being eyed as the motive in Teves’ killing as investigators noted a previous conflict between the victim and the Dane which was recorded in a police blotter.

Valencia police chief, Major Roger Quijano declined to be interviewed pending an ongoing investigation into the incident.

Police officials at the Negros Oriental Provincial Police Office are also not yet releasing other details on the crime. (PNA)