A LONE gunman described by police as a professional hired killer shot dead a barangay official in a job done with finesse in Quezon City yesterday.

Two others were injured in the attack after they were hit by stray bullets.

Case officer PO3 Jaime Jimena said it was the first time that he handled a case where an assassin did not leave a single spent shell of his pistol that could be used as evidence.

“Wala man lang nalaglag na spent shell . . . maaaring gumamit ng plastic bag para pang salo ng bala,” Jimena said.

Investigators find it hard identifying the gunman as no witnesses were able to recognize him.

Killed was Henry Capellan, 62, Lupon Tagapayamapa of Purok 1, Area 5, Villa Beatriz Subdivision, Barangay Old Balara. He died on the spot from two bullet wounds in the head.

Aside from being a barangay peacemaker, Capellan also operates a lending business.

Injured were Edgar Cabides, 37, and Rogelio Balmores, 60. They were rushed to the East Avenue Medical Center for treatment.

Investigation showed that the incident occurred at 7 a.m. on Kaligtasan Street, Barangay Holy Spirit.

Balmores said he was sitting in front of his house when he saw the suspect pull a handgun and shoot Capellan.

When Capellan fell, the gunman started firing into the air before heading to a waiting motorcycle.