Was Romano Cal Killed because of “Jealousy and Hatred?”

Romano Cal, 50, was fatally attacked with a machete outside his home on Sunday, shortly after returning from refueling his bus. Police have detained his brother, 55-year-old Rafael Cal, in Tambran Village for questioning. He is being accused of killing his own sibling.

Romano’s daughter, Modesta Cal, witnessed the attack. She told News 5, “I was shocked to see that happen, because I was there, I saw it. I didn’t know what to do next, because when seeing my dad in that situation I didn’t know what to do after that. We just informed our family and they come assist us as well,” she said.

She believes the attack was driven by “jealousy and hatred,” adding there was no fight leading up to the incident, stating that the attack appened “from nowhere.”

Modesta described her father as “very respected, trustworthy, humble,” and always willing to help others.

The Toledo Alcaldes Association condemned Romano’s killing, calling it a “heinous crime” that violates their core values of peace, unity, and hard work. “We condemn any act of violence in our communities,” it said in a statement on Monday.

Police are continuing the investigation.