Dog groomer fatally shot in Iloilo vet clinic

By Jennifer P. Rendon

Tragedy struck on the morning of April 5 in Passi City, Iloilo, as a dog groomer was fatally shot by an unidentified assailant.

Kieth Karl Demayo, 27, from Ajuy, Iloilo, was preparing to open the Camacho Veterinary Clinic on Dorillo St., Poblacion Ilaya, Passi City, at approximately 7:40 a.m. on Friday when the gunman approached and fired at him without warning, hitting him in the back.

Bureau of Fire Protection responders from the Passi City Station promptly transported the victim to the Don Valerio Palmares Sr Memorial District Hospital in Passi City.

Unfortunately, Demayo was pronounced dead upon arrival.

Lieutenant Colonel Benjo Clarite, the Passi City police chief, confirmed that an empty cartridge from a .45 caliber pistol was discovered at the scene of the crime.

There are unconfirmed reports that the shooter may have had an accomplice on a motorcycle who aided in their escape. Additionally, police have obtained CCTV footage showing the suspect before the shooting.

“We’re looking at his reported conflict with a co-worker from his previous job in La Paz, Iloilo City. The other one is about his current relationship,” Clarite revealed, though he refrained from providing additional details.

Clarite said they might be able to find witnesses that could further shed light on the incident.