Case Summary (A.C. No. 5325)
Charge and Initial Proceedings
On November 4, 1965, Amoto was charged with murder under Article 248 of the Revised Penal Code. This charge arose from an incident where Amoto allegedly stabbed Milagros multiple times using a pair of scissors, resulting in her death. During the arraignment on May 3, 1967, Amoto entered a plea of not guilty.
Presentation of Evidence
Factually, on the day of the incident, witnesses including Carmelita Dangculos and Venturada observed Milagros in distress, covered in blood and seeking help. A police officer, Wilfredo Aparre, testified that when he interviewed Milagros at the scene, she stated she had been raped and stabbed by Amoto. Unfortunately, Milagros died shortly after being transported to the hospital. An autopsy revealed multiple stab wounds as the cause of her death, confirming severe internal injuries.
Confession and Statements
Amoto initially confessed to the crime, stating he stabbed Milagros after a confrontation about her behavior. However, he later revised his account to include a claim of consensual sexual intercourse leading to a violent altercation when she shouted for help, which provoked him to violence.
Trial Errors Claim
Amoto's defense presented several allegations of error by the trial court. He contested its failure to recognize mitigating circumstances claiming a lack of intent to commit such a serious crime and his voluntary surrender to authorities.
Court Findings on Intent
The Court held that Amoto had demonstrated clear intent to kill, as evidenced by multiple stab wounds inflicted with a deadly weapon. The rapid succession of the stabbings indicated a deliberate effort to cause fatal harm, rejecting claims of a lack of intent to commit a grave offense. The wording of the court further highlighted the circumstances of abuse of superior strength, as Amoto, a 33-year-old man, attacked a defenseless 15-year-old girl.
Conclusion Regarding Penalty
Ultimately, the Court determined that the crime committed was murder, emphasizing the applicable circumstance of abuse of superior strength, while recogn
...continue readingCase Syllabus (A.C. No. 5325)
Overview of the Case
- This case involves the automatic review of the decision from the Court of First Instance of Agusan, Branch II, dated September 18, 1967, concerning Criminal Case No. 3168.
- The accused, Sofronio Amoto, was found guilty of murder under Article 248 of the Revised Penal Code.
- The trial court sentenced him to death by electrocution, ordered indemnification to the victim's heirs in the amount of P12,000.00, and the confiscation of the weapon used in the crime.
Background of the Incident
- The crime occurred on October 11, 1965, at approximately 11:00 AM in Agusan Pequeno, City of Butuan, Philippines.
- Sofronio Amoto was accused of fatally stabbing Milagros Pagalan, a 15-year-old girl, with a pair of scissors while taking advantage of superior strength.
- During the incident, witnesses, including Carmelita Dangculos and her sister Venturada, heard cries for help and saw Milagros emerging from the house, bleeding and injured.
Details of the Crime
- Milagros Pagalan was found to have multiple stab wounds, predominantly in the chest area, and she ultimately died from severe internal hemorrhage caused by these wounds.
- Upon examination, Dr. Angeluz R. Tupaz conducted an autopsy that confirmed the cause of death and detailed the injuries sustained by the victim.
- A significant detail from the autopsy report indicated the presence of severe hemothorax and hemoperitoneum, along with old hymenal lacerations.
Statements and Admissions
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