Road rage, random shooting, mistaken identity among possible motives seen in Pinoy lawyer shooting in US

NEW YORK - Police are looking into road rage or random shooting as possible motives in the shooting in Philadelphia last weekend which led to the death of a visiting Filipino lawyer. However, a Philippine consul said it may be a case of mistaken identity.

“The fatal shooting of Filipino lawyer John Albert Laylo could be a case of mistaken identity, according to police source who say gunman appeared to have fired at the wrong vehicle that was similar to what he was chasing,” New York Consul General Elmer Cato said.

Laylo, who was in the US with his mother Leah to visit relatives, became brain-dead following a road shooting incident early Sunday morning (Philippine time) in the city of Philadelphia in Pennsylvania. He passed away Monday morning (PHL time). His mother Leah had minor injuries.

Cato has requested a meeting with Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney and Police Commissioner Daniella Outlaw to get updates on the status of the investigation.

Investigators already have a copy of security video showing a black Nissan Maxima in the area after the shooting.

'Senseless'

Kenney meanwhile called the tragedy "heinous" and "senseless."

"I’m appalled to learn of this heinous and senseless crime that has completely devastated an entire family. Mr. Laylo's loved ones are in my prayers," the mayor said in a tweet.

"This is another horrific example of the tragic impact of the prevalence of guns in our city: whether it's a visitor or a native Philadelphian affected, there are too many guns on our streets, with devastating consequences," he added.

Kenney said the Philadelphia Police and Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations are conducting a probe into the incident.

"Every act of gun violence is an unspeakable tragedy. Senseless violence anywhere in Philadelphia will always be unacceptable, and @PhillyPolice along with @PhillyPCHR is actively investigating this incident," he wrote.

If anyone has any information about this incident—or any other crime—please call or text @PhillyPolice’s tip line at 215-686-TIPS. Tips can also be made anonymously.

— Jim #VaxUpPhilly Kenney (@PhillyMayor) June 20, 2022

Kenney also asked the public to contact investigators should they have any information that may aid in the probe.

Members of the Filipino community held a vigil in front of Penn Presbyterian Medical Center after the shooting.

The remains of Laylo may be repatriated to the Philippines this week. —Dave Llavanes Jr./KG, GMA News