Title
People vs. Estrada
Case
G.R. No. L-26103
Decision Date
Jan 17, 1968
Elmer Estrada's murder conviction is upheld by the Supreme Court, resulting in a sentence of reclusion perpetua, with dismissals of witness credibility challenges and Indeterminate Sentence Law claims.
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Case Digest (G.R. No. L-26103)

Facts:

  • Elmer Estrada, also known as "Baby," was convicted of murdering Alexander Almendras, nicknamed "Sonny."
  • The incident occurred on November 27, 1963, around 11:00 PM outside the Insular Cafe in Cebu City.
  • Witnesses observed a flash of gunfire aimed at Almendras, who fell to the ground.
  • Police found Almendras dead from a gunshot wound to the chest, causing severe internal damage.
  • A bystander, Jorge Cordero, informed the police that "Sonny was shot by Baby Estrada."
  • Estrada, along with co-accused Alberto Tejero and others, faced murder charges, including conspiracy and evident premeditation.
  • Both Estrada and Tejero pleaded not guilty, claiming an alibi.
  • The trial court acquitted Tejero but convicted Estrada, sentencing him to 12 years and one day to 20 years of reclusion temporal, along with monetary indemnity to Almendras' heirs.
  • Estrada appealed, and the Court of Appeals found the trial court misapplied the Indeterminate Sentence Law, suggesting reclusion perpetua as the appropriate penalty.
  • The case was certified to the Supreme Court for review.

Issue:

  • (Unlock)

Ruling:

  • The Supreme Court upheld the trial court's finding of conspiracy among the accused, affirming Estrada's collaboration with his co-accused in Almendras' killing.
  • The Court found sufficient evidence to establish evident premeditation in the crime.
  • The Supreme Court mo...(Unlock)

Ratio:

  • The Supreme Court reasoned that conspiracy can be inferred from the actions of the accused, even without direct evidence of a prior agreement.
  • Evidence indicated that Estrada and his companions acted with a common purpose to kill Almendras, arriving and fleeing the scene together.
  • The history of animosity between Estrad...continue reading

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