Lozano family files car theft, murder raps vs Dominguez brothers

The family of slain car-dealer Emerson Lozano on Wednesday filed car theft with murder charges against Roger and Raymond Dominguez, the alleged leaders of a carjacking syndicate responsible for Lozano's killing in January. In a complaint filed with the Department of Justice (DOJ), the family accused the brothers of masterminding and carrying out Emerson's killing. "The respondents committed the said carnapping and murder by force of habit, taking advantage of nighttime and in conspiracy with one another by concerted action, direct participation, and indispensable cooperation showing common design to commit the barbaric crime; hence, the act of one was the act of all," said the family. Those who filed the complaint were Emerson's father, Oliver, mother Norma, wife Rowena, children Pauline and Paolo, and siblings Oliver Wendell, Evangeline, and Evelyn. Raymond Dominguez had denied that he and his group were involved in car theft incidents and were responsible for Emerson's killing. Emerson and driver Ernani Sencil were last seen alive on January 12 while meeting a prospective buyer of a Kia Carnival van in Quezon City. Sencil's charred body was found the next day in Tarlac province while that of Lozano was found two days later in Pampanga. Members of the Dominguez Carnapping Syndicate were also tagged as the culprits behind the killing of another car dealer, Venson Evangelista. The circumstances of Evangelista's death is similar to that of Emerson and Sencil. Complaint In their complaint, the Lozano family said the Dominguez brothers and their group conspired with one another in stealing Emerson's vehicle. "Emerson Lozano was killed in the course or occasion of the carnapping. He was mercilessly, unexpectedly, suddenly and treacherously shot with intent to kill and without any opportunity to defend himself... He was burned almost beyond recognition," said the family. They added that Raymond Dominguez's denial, or defense of alibi, is weak compared to the positive identification of Alfred Mendiola, who claimed to be part of the Dominguez Carnapping Syndicate. The family likewise said there is a reported plan to kill Mendiola, whom they said was a "star witness" to the killings of Emerson and his driver. "Alfred Mendiola's factual allegations and corroborative evidence are not disputed. The Dominguez defense is alibi which is the weakest due to positive identification and ability to instruct by cellphone and representative," they said. "There is a reported plot to kill [Mendiola]. The scenario is: destroy the credibility of Mendiola. Then create a perception of weak evidence, and Dominguez' innocence thru publicity. Finally, kill Mendiola to acquit the accused," the family added. – VVP, GMANews.TV