Case Summary (G.R. No. 157838)
Background of the Case
On April 11, 2000, Arcenal allegedly took a Yamaha tricycle belonging to the victim, Alvin de Rama, with intent to steal it. The Information charged him with the unlawful taking of the vehicle by means of violence, leading to the death of Alvin due to injuries inflicted during the incident. The Regional Trial Court (RTC), Branch 27, Santa Cruz, Laguna, found Arcenal guilty of carnapping with homicide and sentenced him to reclusion perpetua.
Proceedings and Findings
During the trial, the prosecution presented eyewitnesses who testified that they saw Alvin and Arcenal together at a tricycle terminal shortly before Alvin was found dead. Evidence included eyewitness accounts, the recovery of the vehicle with bloodstains, and fingerprint analysis matching Arcenal's prints to those found on the tricycle. The prosecution established that after Alvin left the terminal with Arcenal as a passenger, he was later discovered dead in the vicinity where the tricycle was later abandoned.
Defense and Counterarguments
Arcenal denied the accusations, claiming he was elsewhere on the night of the incident and presenting an alibi involving familial obligations. However, the RTC rejected this defense, finding it uncorroborated and riddled with inconsistencies. The court deemed the circumstantial evidence overwhelming, concluding that his alibi lacked credibility.
Elements of the Offense
To convict Arcenal of carnapping with homicide, the prosecution was required to demonstrate: (1) actual taking of the vehicle; (2) ownership of the vehicle belonged to someone other than the offender; (3) taking without consent; (4) use of violence or intimidation; and (5) intent to gain. The court found that the circumstantial evidence and the combination of circumstances presented established Arcenal's presence at the crime scene, his intent to steal the tricycle, and the ensuing homicide of Alvin.
Circumstantial Evidence
Circumstantial evidence presented included Arcenal being the last person seen with the victim, the recovery of the tricycle with blood evidence, and fingerprint matches. The court noted that multiple pieces of circumstantial evidence created a coherent narrative leading to Arcenal's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. The absence of a
...continue readingCase Syllabus (G.R. No. 157838)
Background of the Case
- This case involves the review of the May 12, 2014 Decision of the Court of Appeals (CA) in CA-G.R. CR-HC No. 05000.
- The CA affirmed the November 30, 2010 Decision of the Regional Trial Court (RTC), Branch 27, Santa Cruz, Laguna in Criminal Case No. SC-8602.
- Accused-appellant Jesusano Arcenal y Aguilan (Arcenal) was charged with the violation of Republic Act (R.A.) No. 6539, known as the Anti-Carnapping Act of 1972, as amended by R.A. No. 7659.
Charges Against the Accused
- The Information accused Arcenal of unlawfully taking a Yamaha tricycle (Plate No. DT-6680) on April 11, 2000, in Pila, Laguna, with intent to gain and through force and violence.
- The act resulted in the death of the driver, Alvin de Rama, due to injuries inflicted by Arcenal using a deadly weapon during the commission of the crime.
Proceedings and Establishment of Facts
- Arcenal pleaded not guilty during his arraignment on May 17, 2000.
- The prosecution established that Alvin de Rama was last seen alive at a tricycle terminal waiting for passengers shortly before the incident.
- Witnesses, including Jay Flores and Mario Meras, provided testimonies regarding Alvin’s last known whereabouts and the direction in which Arcenal was seen driving the tricycle alone.