• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Heated arguments between a Canadian and his Filipina wife yesterday led to a tragic incident that claimed both their lives at Villa Michaela Subdivision in Brgy. Singcang-Airport, Bacolod City.
The victim identified as Liezel Demerin, 47, was allegedly stabbed by her Canadian husband, Ronald St. Jean, 55. She was declared dead on arrival at a hospital, according to PCapt. Glenn Montaño, Police Station 8 commander.
After killing his wife, St. Jean tried to kill himself by slashing his right wrist and stabbing himself in the chest. He later on died in a hospital, Montano said.
In an interview with Bombo Radyo, CJ Bryan Mirasol, a nephew of Demerin, disclosed that the incident was witnessed by the two minor children of the couple, whom he brought to the residence of his uncle.
Montano said the couple reportedly experiencing financial problems.
Demerin, who was supposed to mark her 48th birthday today, worked as a call center agent in Bacolod City.
It took almost three hours for the police to negotiate the surrender of the foreigner, who was armed with a bladed weapon and injuring himself.
While entering the rented house of the couple, Montano said one of the police officers was hit in the eyes with pepper spray by St. Jean, who had withdrawn to his room.
He added that the Canadian had barred them from entering the room, as he wanted to kill himself.
Responding policemen later managed to subdue him, who had already sustained self-inflicted injuries. He unfortunately died while being treated at a hospital, according to the police.*
