Assistant Superintendent of Police Stacy Smith told reporters today that the office of the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) may consider a case of “self-defence” for 39-year-old Daniel Salazar.
Daniel is being accused of allegedly causing the death of his father, 59-year-old Rubio Salazar, during a domestic altercation at their home in the San Mateo area, San Pedro, on Saturday, the day before Father’s Day.
“Rubio Salazar and his son Daniel Salazar got into an altercation with each other, where it is alleged that Rubio struck Daniel with a stick, and Daniel inflicted a chop wound in the upper part of Rubio’s body, fatally wounding him,” ASP Smith stated.
Police say that neighbours reported the argument was triggered by tensions over dogs owned by the father and son.
Daniel’s mother, Erminia Muschamp, expressed disbelief. She told News 5, “I couldn’t believe it; I was surprised. Daniel is not that kind of person. He’s not a violent person; I can’t even explain.”
ASP Smith added that Daniel was “detained, and it was observed that he had a wound to the temple for which he sought medical attention.”
ASP Smith stated that “Self-defence certainly arises on the facts; however, for a defence of self-defence to be successfully sustained, proportionality is the question.”
The case has been handed over to the Director of Public Prosecutions for a decision on charges.