Case Summary (G.R. No. 138400)
Facts of the Case
On June 1, 1997, at approximately 9:30 AM, the CaAete family staged a riot in the jail during a transfer attempt to the Cebu Provincial Jail. The altercation escalated into violence, resulting in the police deploying tear gas and water cannons to control the situation. Amid these events, Sergio allegedly struck his father, Sotero, with a wooden bunk leg which led to fatal injuries.
Prosecution's Version
The prosecution contended that Sergio CaAete, during the melee in the jail, intentionally struck his father, resulting in a fatal head injury. Testimony from law enforcement indicated that the police had to use force to manage the situation when the inmates resisted transfer. Following the incident, Sotero was transported to the hospital but succumbed to his injuries soon after.
Defense’s Argument
Sergio CaAete presented a conflicting narrative, claiming that police officer PO3 Ricardo Enriquez was responsible for his father’s fatal injuries. He asserted that he and his father were compliant when police engaged them, projecting that the violence was initiated by law enforcement rather than by him.
Procedural History
Sergio was arraigned and pleaded not guilty to the charge of parricide. The Regional Trial Court subsequently found him guilty beyond reasonable doubt and sentenced him to reclusion perpetua. Sergio appealed this ruling, arguing that the trial court erred in its findings.
Evaluation of Evidence
The court emphasized the need for evidence to be evaluated under a strict standard. The testimonies from prosecution witnesses were scrutinized, as they did not present sufficient evidence to corroborate the events as described. Specifically, the lack of medical documentation related to the alleged assault on police by the accused raised doubts about the credibility of the witnesses.
Key Findings of the Court
The court highlighted several key inconsistencies in the testimony of the prosecution witnesses:
- The absence of physical evidence such as the purported weapon used in the assault on Enriquez.
- The injuries sustained by Sergio were not addressed by the prosecution, which further undermined their claims of his aggressiveness.
- The circumstances under which Soto and Sergio were allegedly able t
Case Syllabus (G.R. No. 138400)
Case Overview
- The case revolves around the incident wherein Sergio CaAete allegedly killed his father, Sotero CaAete, during a riot at the municipal jail in Liloan, Cebu.
- The altercation occurred while the CaAete family, consisting of Sergio, his brothers Alfredo, Ruben, Trinidad, and their father Sotero, were incarcerated in connection with a murder case.
- Sergio was charged with parricide after it was alleged that he struck his father with a wooden leg of a prison bunk, leading to the latter's death.
Facts of the Case
- The brothers and their father were detained in the Liloan municipal jail when they learned they would be transferred to the Cebu Provincial Jail.
- On June 1, 1997, in an effort to resist the transfer, they initiated a riot, throwing stones at the police who were attempting to enforce the transfer.
- During the chaos, police officers entered the jail to control the situation; a confrontation ensued between them and Sergio, resulting in a severe injury to Sotero CaAete, who later died from his injuries.
Prosecution's Version of Events
- The prosecution argued that Sergio, armed with a piece of wood, intentionally struck his father in the head, leading to his death.
- Police witnesses recounted that upon entering the cell, they were attacked by Sergio, which led to a violent confrontation.
- Dr. Jose Dacudao conducted the autopsy on Sotero, confirming a severe skull fracture that resulted in his death