Case Summary (G.R. No. 127753)
Incident Overview
The altercation commenced in October 1959 when Juan Vargas slapped Marincho following an incident involving a cow. On December 28, 1959, in barrio Hallbago, municipality of Pola, Oriental Mindoro, Marincho, with a bolo, attacked Vargas while Carlos held a revolver. After Marincho inflicted fatal wounds on Vargas, Carlos allegedly urged his son by saying, "You kill him."
Prosecution's Evidence
The prosecution's case rested upon the testimony of Jose Ilagan, who claimed to have witnessed both Carlos and Marincho heading towards Vargas with their respective weapons. However, evidential issues arose due to the temporal distance from the previous incident and the proximity of the fatal attack to their residence. This raised doubts regarding the alleged intention to seek out Vargas.
Inducement and Acquittal Criteria
The court examined whether Carlos could be found guilty of murder by inducement based on his utterance after Marincho had already attacked Vargas. The ruling referenced the case People vs. Caimbre, establishing that comments made after the crime does not constitute inducement necessary for guilt. In this case, the overstatement by Carlos was deemed insufficient after the fatal act had already occurred, indicating no direct causation between his words and the crime.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the
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Case Background
- The case arises from an Information filed with the Court of First Instance of Oriental Mindoro, charging Carlos Castillo and his son, Marincho, with the crime of murder.
- The trial concluded with both defendants found guilty and subsequently sentenced, but only Carlos Castillo appealed the decision.
Facts of the Case
- In October 1959, an altercation occurred between Marincho Castillo and the now-deceased Juan Vargas, leading to Vargas slapping Marincho in the face. This dispute originated from a cow belonging to Marincho that had strayed and damaged Vargas’s plants.
- Following the altercation, Marincho expressed a desire for revenge by stating, "You, Manong Joan, will have your own day."
- On December 28, 1959, in barrio Hallbago, Pola, Oriental Mindoro, Carlos Castillo was seen conversing with Juan Vargas while holding a gun.
- Marincho approached from behind and struck Vargas on the head with a bolo knife. As Marincho prepared to deliver a second blow, Carlos allegedly encouraged him by saying, "You kill him."
- Later that evening, both Marincho and Carlos surrendered to the authorities.