Suspect’s arraignment rescheduled
Yesterday’s scheduled arraignment of a security guard charged for murder for allegedly killing the husband and son of Cebu City Regional Trial Court Judge Sylva Paderanga has been reset to next month.
Judge Anacleto Debalucos of Branch 17 moved the court proceeding to October 2 at 1:30 p.m. due to the absence of Jonathan Sanchez.
“In view of the absence of the accused, today’s proceeding is hereby cancelled,” he ordered.
Debalucos also directed Cebu City Jail warden, Superintendent Arnel Peralta, to explain within three days upon receipt of the order why he should not be cited for indirect contempt for allegedly delaying bringing the accused to court for a scheduled hearing.
The hearing of Sanchez, 36, a resident of Tabada St., Barangay Mambaling, Cebu City, was the third proceeding in the calendar of cases yesterday and scheduled for 1:30 p.m.
After Sanchez did not yet arrive in court even past 2 p.m. the arraignment was reset.
Debalucos said this was not the first time an accused was not brought to court for a scheduled hearing.
Sanchez is blamed for shooting dead lawyer Goering George Paderanga Sr., 62, on December 22, 2016 outside their law firm at F. Ramos Street, Barangay Sta. Cruz, Cebu City. He also allegedly shot the lawyer’s son, Atty. Gerik Caesare, 37, who died three days later.
In his complaint-affidavit, Goering George Jr., son of Goering Sr., alleged his father and brother were shot by the accused without any prior confrontation.
Sanchez, who was arrested the day after the crime, reportedly admitted shooting the victims for blocking a cement mixer heading to a construction site he was guarding.
Prior to the incident, the Paderangas were returning to their law firm from having dinner with their family. Gerik allegedly parked their vehicle in a narrow street near F. Ramos St., while Goering Sr. went inside their office.
Gerik was shot in his nape. Goering Sr., who allegedly went out of the office after hearing the gunshot, was shot in the chest.