US scientist shot dead after partner ‘tied up and sexually assaulted’ in front of him
Prominent marine biologist Kent Carpenter, 73, who spent his life mapping the oceans and protecting wildlife, has been killed after a group of masked intruders entered his home
Carpenter allegedly was killed and his partner tied up and assaulted by intruders(Image: Old Dominion University via AP)
A prominent US scientist who spent his life studying the oceans has been killed after a gang of intruders forced their way into his home, police say.
Kent Carpenter, 73, was at his home in Philippines’ Negros Oriental province with his partner on Sunday evening (12 July) when at least three masked and armed men entered the property.
According to local reports, Carpenter’s partner, who is believed to be a Filipina national and has not been named, was tied up and allegedly sexually assaulted by the intruders. Carpenter was then allegedly shot in the head by one of the men.
Carpenter was a prominent marine biologist
Carpenter’s partner, who according to US news outlet Fox News is 34-years-old, suffered injuries during the attack for which she was treated in hospital.
The assailants are alleged to have stolen a laptop, a bag and money before fleeing the property. According to local reports, three men have been arrested, while a fourth suspect is currently being searched for.
Police say they have arrested three men in connection to the alleged killing (Image: PA)
A police statement read: “The Regional Director of Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region… reported to the Chief PNP that they have already arrested three of the four suspects in the killing of American marine biologist Kent Carpenter.”
Regional police director Brig. Gen. Romano Cardiño said: “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.”
“We strongly condemn this senseless act of violence. I have directed our investigators to exhaust all legal means to identify and apprehend those responsible at the soonest possible time.”#
Carpenter gave his life to study the world’s oceans(Image: Getty Images)
Outpourings of grief and condolences have flooded in following the death of Mr Carpenter, whose work has been described as “reshaping our understanding of the world’s oceans, influenced conservation policy”.
Carpenter was one of the world’s most respected marine biologists, spending much of his life studying coral reefs, fish biodiversity and marine conservation, particularly in the Philippines and the Coral Triangle. He also worked tirelessly to study and document endangered species in these habitats.
A spokesperson for the International Union for the Conservation of Nature, who worked with Carpenter, said: “We are profoundly grateful for his extraordinary service to science, the SSC, and global conservation. His vision, integrity, and dedication have left an enduring mark on the conservation community, and he will be deeply missed.”
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