Kent Carpenter, a 73-year-old American marine biologist, was killed by masked intruders who broke into his house in Sibulan, Philippines, on Sunday night. His Filipina companion was injured during the attack and is receiving treatment. Police are investigating the motive and searching for the attackers.
The incident occurred when three masked men forced their way into Carpenter's home in the coastal town of Sibulan in Negros Oriental province. One of the men shot him in the head, killing him instantly, according to statements his companion gave to police. The intruders stole a laptop, cash and a backpack before fleeing the scene.
Carpenter had worked as a lecturer at Silliman University in nearby Dumaguete City since 1976. He also served as a biological sciences professor at Old Dominion University in Virginia since 1996 and was on an extended research assignment in the Philippines at the time of his death. He was scheduled to retire in September.
Regional police director Brig. Gen. Romano Cardiño said the case is being treated with utmost urgency. "We assure the victim's family, the community and our foreign visitors that this case is being treated with utmost urgency and no effort will be spared until justice is served," he said.
Carpenter's research on marine biodiversity in the Philippines and the Coral Triangle influenced conservation efforts worldwide. Old Dominion University President Brian Hemphill described the killing as sad and devastating.
