Case Summary (G.R. No. 250649)
Incident Description and Charges
On November 5, 2012, Cabornay was charged with the crime of Rape with Homicide, alleging that on July 30, 2012, he forcibly had carnal knowledge of the victim, AAA. Following the assault, he allegedly fatally injured her with a bladed weapon. This heinous act generated significant legal proceedings culminating in a trial where the prosecution aimed to prove the accused's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Prosecution's Case Presentation
The prosecution presented several witnesses, including peers and family members of the victim. A classmate, "BBB," testified to seeing the victim with Cabornay shortly before her death. Another witness, Conceso Abonge, confirmed having seen the victim with the accused around the time of the crime. Additionally, Oscar Nabong testified that he discovered the victim's body later that afternoon, indicating her state and explaining the circumstances surrounding the search for her. Various forensic examinations were conducted, revealing that the victim suffered significant injuries and a stab wound which led to her death.
Defense's Argument
In contrast, Cabornay's defense maintained that he was at the home of the victim's grandmother and did not leave until after the victim had already gone missing. He denied seeing the victim play with anyone that day and contended that he was wrongfully implicated due to his proximity to the deceased child's family. Furthermore, he denied any blood being present on a bladed weapon confiscated by the barangay captain during his arrest.
Regional Trial Court (RTC) Decision
On April 20, 2017, the RTC convicted Cabornay of Rape with Homicide based on circumstantial evidence that tied him to the crime. The court ruled that multiple witnesses had identified him alongside the victim shortly before her death and noted the compelling nature of the evidence presented, leading to a guilty verdict. The RTC sentenced him to reclusion perpetua and awarded damages to the heirs of the victim.
Court of Appeals (CA) Decision
The CA later reviewed this case and issued a ruling on June 28, 2019, in which it modified the RTC's conclusion, reducing the charge from Rape with Homicide to Attempted Rape with Homicide. It argued that the medical evidence did not conclusively prove penetration, which is necessary for a conviction of rape, and thus adapted the verdict accordingly. The CA upheld the finding that the accused had intended to commit rape and subsequently killed the victim and adjusted the penalties and awarded damages accordingly.
Supreme Court's Ruling and Affirmation
Upon appeal, the Supreme Court reviewed the merits of the case and concurred with the conclusions of the CA. It emphasized the weight of eyewitness testimony and circumstantial evidence leading to the determination of guilt beyond reasonable doubt. The S
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Case Background
- The case involves the appeal by Leonardo Cabornay y Batula against his conviction of Attempted Rape with Homicide.
- The original ruling by the Regional Trial Court (RTC) found him guilty of Rape with Homicide, which was later overturned by the Court of Appeals (CA) in a decision dated June 28, 2019.
- The incident occurred on July 30, 2012, in Samar, Philippines, involving a five-year-old minor, referred to as AAA.
Charges and Proceedings
- Cabornay was charged with Rape with Homicide in an Information filed on November 5, 2012.
- The charge specified that Cabornay, with force, threats, and lewd designs, engaged in carnal knowledge with AAA against her will, and subsequently inflicted fatal injuries on her.
- Upon arraignment on January 8, 2013, Cabornay pleaded not guilty, leading to a trial on the merits.
Prosecution's Version
- Multiple witnesses, including a classmate of AAA (BBB), testified about the events leading to AAA's death.
- BBB described how she last saw AAA playing with Cabornay before she disappeared, noting Cabornay's presence and their direction towards a gemelina plant.
- Other witnesses corroborated the timeline, indicating they saw Cabornay with AAA shortly before her body was discovered.
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