DUMAGUETE CITY, Philippines — Philippine authorities have arrested three suspects in connection with the killing of American marine biologist and professor Kent Carpenter, who was fatally shot during a suspected robbery at his home in Negros Oriental, police said.
The arrests followed an investigation into the death of Carpenter, 73, at his residence in the coastal town of Sibulan. Police said two suspects were arrested and a third surrendered to authorities as investigators pursued those allegedly involved in the attack.
Philippine National Police spokesperson Col. Allen Rae Co said the suspects included the alleged gunman and individuals accused of participating in the incident, which authorities are investigating as a robbery-homicide case. Police said the attackers took personal belongings, including a laptop, cash and a backpack, after entering Carpenter’s home.
Authorities have said the killing occurred while Carpenter was at his residence in Sibulan, where he had been conducting marine research and maintaining ties with local academic institutions. Police have not publicly established a final motive beyond the robbery investigation and have said inquiries remain ongoing.
The Philippine National Police earlier created a special investigation task group to handle the case and identify those responsible. Officials said investigators reviewed evidence and conducted interviews as part of efforts to build the case against the suspects.
Carpenter was a longtime researcher in marine biodiversity and had worked with institutions including Old Dominion University in the United States and Silliman University in the Philippines. He was known for his research on marine conservation and had contributed to studies on coral reef ecosystems.
The killing drew attention from academic and environmental communities in both countries. Officials and colleagues highlighted Carpenter’s decades of work in marine science while authorities continued their criminal investigation.
Five suspects were later charged with robbery with homicide in connection with the case, according to Philippine authorities, while investigators continued efforts to locate another person linked to the alleged crime. The suspects remain subject to judicial proceedings, and allegations against them have not been tested in court.
Authorities said the case remains under investigation as prosecutors proceed with legal action against those charged.
