Laylo shooting ‘could be case of mistaken identity’: PH consulate

John Albert “Jal” Laylo at Lincoln Memorial, Washington D.C., posted five days before a shooting incident in Philadelphia on Saturday (June 18, 2022) that led to his death. (Instagram via PNA)

MANILA – The fatal shooting of Filipino lawyer John Albert Laylo in Philadelphia could be a case of mistaken identity, the Philippine Consulate General in New York said, citing US authorities.

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

Laylo was pronounced dead on Monday morning after a still unidentified gunman fired upon the Uber vehicle John and his mother were riding in along 38th Street and Spruce Street on Sunday.

READ: Family to donate organs of Filipino lawyer slain in US

Citing initial reports, Cato said John was struck in the head by one of several bullets that were fired into the vehicle while his mother sustained injuries from glass fragments.

Cato said the Consulate would assist in the repatriation of Laylo’s remains.

He added that they are in touch with police authorities and continues to underscore to them “the importance we place on the resolution of this case.”

“We will be seeing the mayor and hopefully the police commissioner of Philadelphia tomorrow,” he said.