By JOSEPH G. LARIOSA

(Journal Group Link International)

C HICAGO, Illinois (JGLi) – The arraignment of the suspect in the twin killing of an elderly Filipino couple last July 8 was postponed anew when the copy of the “evaluation for fitness to attend” court hearing was not submitted in court.

As a result, Winnebago County Judge Ron White in the outlying suburban Rockford, Illinois, ordered Friday (Sept. 11) the resetting of the arraignment of Ommarian T. Jones, 24, next Friday, Sept. 25, at 9 a.m.

According the Deputy State's Attorney Marilyn Hite Ross of Winnebago County, when the “evaluation report was not returned," Judge White reset the arraignment of Jones on Sept. 25.

The result of evaluation is usually available after two weeks.

Jones was charged with two counts of first degree murder for the “blunt instrument” killing of Reynato “Ray” V. Cardino, 77, and his wife, Leticia “Letie” V. Cardino, 75, in their home at 2623 Pleasant View, Rockford.

If convicted, Jones could be sentenced from natural life to death penalty.

Deputy State Attorney Hite Ross clarified that although former Illinois Gov. George Ryan pardoned all the prisoners in the Illinois Death Row and there is a moratorium in carrying out death sentence, death penalty is still in effect in the state.

Ms. Hite Ross would not confirm it but Jones was believed positively identified after samples of skin taken from the fingernails of the victims’ eldest son, Reyle, 51, was traced to Jones through DNA tests.

Reyle Cardino got a piece of Jones when Reyle surprised Jones as Jones was killing his parents. Jones was said to have exclaimed to Reyle, “you are next.”

A very-calm Reyle gave Jones a spirited fight. Jones fled and left the bloodied Reyle, who sustained wounds in his face. Reyle managed to ask the help of his parents’ neighbor, Walter Pacula, across the street. Mr. Pacula called 9-1-1.

M eanwhile, Jones’ mother, Helen F. Jones, is due in court today,  Sept. 15, 2009, at 9:00 a.m. Mrs. Jones pleaded not guilty when arraigned last Aug. 21 for obstruction of justice. She did not call 9-1-1 when her son showed up at home after the killing of the couple that also resulted to the serious injury of the couple’s son.

She is out on bail after posting $10,000 bond.

If convicted, Mrs. Jones’ penalty ranges from probation to one to three years in prison.

The Joneses live less than two blocks away from the victims’ home.

Authorities still have not yet established the motive of the killing. But many suspect it was robbery as the suspect was already inside the house when the elderly couple arrived early in the evening from shopping.

Ray Cardino, a retired mechanical engineer who worked part-time assembling bikes at Wal-Mart, and Leticia “Letty” V. Cardino, 75, retired licensed architect who worked as building inspector for the City of Rockford, were found dead by Reyle.

The couple is from Baliangao and Sapang Dalaga, Misamis Occidental, in Mindanao.

Reyle Cardino also sustained injuries as he fought off the killer of his parents he was visiting that night. Reyle reportedly identified the killer as Ommarian T. Jones. (lariosa_jos@sbcglobal.net) # # #