Case Digest (G.R. No. 152176)
Facts:
In the case of *People of the Philippines vs. Roger Dela Cruz y Doe* (G.R. No. 152176), the Regional Trial Court of Calabanga, Camarines Sur, rendered a decision on October 1, 2003, convicting the appellant, Roger Dela Cruz y Doe, of murder. The events leading to the case occurred on the night of August 29, 1998, at around 10:00 PM in Barangay Cabanbanan, Calabanga, Camarines Sur, Philippines. An Information for Murder was filed against Dela Cruz on December 28, 1998, alleging that he, with intent to kill and treachery, attacked and fatally stabbed Mark Lester Resterio Suarez using an icepick. The victim suffered one fatal stab wound to the chest, leading to his death shortly after the attack while being rushed to the hospital.Prosecution witnesses, including Joseph Sanchez, testified that he saw Sanchez being stabbed and identified Dela Cruz as the perpetrator. Additionally, witness Felix delos Santos testified about the moments following the stabbing and confirmed that Suar
Case Digest (G.R. No. 152176)
Facts:
- Background of the Case: On December 28, 1998, an Information for Murder was filed against Roger Dela Cruz y Doe for the killing of Mark Lester Resterio Suarez on August 29, 1998, in Barangay Cabanbanan, Calabanga, Camarines Sur.
- The Incident: At around 10:00 p.m. on August 29, 1998, Joseph Sanchez, along with Mark Lester Suarez and Edgar delos Santos, was walking in Barangay Cabanbanan. Sanchez stopped to buy a cigarette and heard Mark shout that he was stabbed. Sanchez saw appellant Roger Dela Cruz running away. Mark identified Roger as his attacker. Sanchez informed Mark’s mother, Milagros Suarez, and together they rushed Mark to the hospital, but he died en route.
- Medical Evidence: Dr. Daniel Y. Tan performed the autopsy and determined the cause of death as hypovolemic shock due to a mortal stab wound that pierced the liver, diaphragm, lung, and heart.
- Defense: Appellant claimed he was in Manila and later in Cavite on August 23-29, 1998, looking for a job and working as a construction worker. His mother and friend corroborated his alibi.
- Trial Court Decision: The trial court convicted appellant of Murder, sentencing him to reclusion perpetua and ordering him to pay P50,000.00 as civil indemnity, P50,000.00 as moral damages, and costs. The court did not award actual damages despite Milagros Suarez’s claim for funeral and other expenses.
Issues:
- Whether the trial court erred in giving full faith and credence to the testimonies of prosecution witnesses Joseph Sanchez and Felix delos Santos.
- Whether the trial court erred in appreciating the qualifying circumstance of treachery.
- Whether the trial court erred in finding appellant guilty beyond reasonable doubt of the crime of Murder.
Ruling:
- (Subscriber-Only)
Ratio:
- (Subscriber-Only)