MANILA – The man accused of masterminding the gruesome killing of his wife and child in Sta. Rosa City, Laguna on March 2, 2016 was absolved of criminal liability by the Sta. Rosa City Prosecutor's Office.

In a 14-page resolution dated July 27, 2016, signed by Deputy City Prosecutor Oscar Co and approved by Sta. Rosa City Prosecutor Cesar Calubag, the complaint for parricide against Ricardo "Richard" Sta. Ana Espera, Jr. was dismissed due to insufficient evidence.

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Meantime, the alleged perpetrators of the crime, Ramoncito Bituin Galo and a certain alias "Bryan," were recommended charged for two counts of murder, rape and theft.

On March 2, 29-year old Pearl Helene Bon, wife of Ricardo, and their one-year old son, Denzel, were found covered in blood inside their house in Celina Plains Subdivision, Sta. Rosa City.

They were rushed to the hospital, but Pearl died on March 5, while Denzel passed away on March 3. Both succumbed to internal bleeding due to head injuries, specifically intracranial hemorrhage secondary to traumatic head injuries. Investigation pointed to a hammer as the weapon used in the crime.

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Galo, who surrendered to authorities, executed an extrajudicial confession admitting his participation in the crime and identifying Ricardo as the mastermind. The prosecutor's office said there was insufficient evidence against Ricardo.

"[T]here is absolutely no evidence adduced to establish conspiracy among Ramoncito, Ricardo and a certain Bryan. In short, the extrajudicial confession of Ramoncito lack (sic) the indispensable requisite of corroboration by other evidence," the resolution read.

Galo's confession on his participation in the killings was, however, given weight.

The prosecutor's office further pointed out that there was enough evidence to establish a conspiracy between Galo and "Bryan" who were both seen in the victims' house prior to the discovery of their bodies.