Authorities in the Philippines have arrested three suspects in connection with the murder of Kent Carpenter, a renowned American marine biologist, at his residence in the central province of Negros Oriental. The incident occurred on Sunday in the coastal town of Sibulan.

According to police officials, the suspects forcibly entered Carpenter’s home during an apparent robbery. One of the men allegedly shot Carpenter in the head while he was seated on a sofa. A second suspect is accused of sexually assaulting Carpenter’s Filipino companion during the break-in. The assailants then took a laptop, cash, and a backpack before fleeing the scene.

Colonel Allen Rae Co, spokesperson for the national police, confirmed that three men have been apprehended in connection with the case, while authorities continue to search for a fourth suspect who remains at large. Additionally, a fourth individual thought to have acted as a lookout surrendered to police and has reportedly provided critical information about the attack.

Investigations are ongoing as authorities seek to piece together the circumstances surrounding the crime, which has drawn attention due to Carpenter’s prominent career in marine biology. Police have not yet disclosed the identities of the suspects or whether any motive beyond robbery is believed to be involved.