Facts:

The case involves the accused-appellant, Raymundo Gonzaga, who was charged with the crime of robbery with homicide. The incident occurred on April 18, 1985, in Manila, Philippines. The accused, along with his three unidentified companions, entered the residence of Ernesto Marcelino and robbed him of cash, jewelry, and other personal belongings. During the robbery, the accused and his companions also attacked and stabbed Marcelino, causing his death. The accused was positively identified by the prosecution witnesses as the assailant.

Issue:

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Ruling:

The court found the accused guilty beyond reasonable doubt of the crime of robbery with homicide. The accused was sentenced to suffer the penalty of reclusion perpetu...(Unlock)

Ratio:

The court held that circumstantial evidence is sufficient for conviction if there is more than one circumstance, the facts from which the inferences are derived are proven, and the combination of all the circumstances is such as to produce a conviction beyond a reasonable doubt. In this case, the circumstantial evidence, such as the dismissal of the accused by the victim, the positive identification of the accused by the prosecution witnesses, and the recovery of stolen items from the accused, established the guilt of the accus...continue reading