Title
People vs. Vinas
Case
G.R. No. L-21756
Decision Date
Oct 28, 1968
Norman Viñas' murder conviction is upheld due to the presence of him and his brother at the crime scene and corroborating eyewitness testimony.
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Case Digest (G.R. No. L-21756)

Facts:

  • The case involves the People of the Philippines (plaintiff-appellee) against Norman Vinas (defendant-appellant).
  • The incident occurred on April 10, 1962, at Bacolod Murcia Sugar Central.
  • Jesus Varela was fatally stabbed while urinating beside a tree.
  • An autopsy revealed a stab wound that penetrated the peritoneal region and lacerated the vena cava, causing death from severe hemorrhage and shock.
  • Norman Vinas, his brother Nelson, and Rodolfo Sumpay were arrested and charged with murder.
  • Sumpay, who lived with the Vinas brothers, became a prosecution witness after his charges were dismissed.
  • The trial court convicted both brothers of murder, sentencing them to life imprisonment and ordering them to pay P6,000.00 to the victim's heirs.
  • Only Norman Vinas appealed the conviction, questioning the credibility of prosecution witnesses and the sufficiency of evidence.

Issue:

  • (Unlock)

Ruling:

  • The Supreme Court affirmed the trial court's decision, upholding Norman Vinas's conviction for mur...(Unlock)

Ratio:

  • The Supreme Court found no merit in the appellant's claims about the credibility of prosecution witnesses.
  • Testimonies from Rodolfo Sumpay and Mario Derla were considered credible and consistent, despite minor contradictions typical in eyewitness accounts.
  • The close relationship of the witnesses with the accused was noted but did not undermine the reliability of their testimonies.
  • Circumstantial evidence, including statements made...continue reading

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