Case Summary (G.R. No. L-10104)
Charges and Preliminary Proceedings
In the initial proceedings, all defendants entered not guilty pleas. The court, following a joint trial, acquitted Pascual Gallardo based on reasonable doubt, while finding Severino Corpuz and Luis Ardaniel guilty beyond reasonable doubt of robbery with homicide, as defined in Article 294, paragraph 1, of the Revised Penal Code.
Verdict and Sentencing
The court sentenced each defendant, Corpuz and Ardaniel, to reclusion perpetua, mandated the payment of indemnities totaling P6,000.00 to the heirs of the deceased Antonio Castaneda, and required them to return stolen items or pay their corresponding values, additionally imposing accessory penalties as prescribed by law. The acquittal of Pascual Gallardo included an order for him to incur no costs.
Facts of the Case
The incident took place on the night of May 2, 1952, in the residence of ex-mayor Antonio Castaneda, located in barrio Alimodong, La Paz, Abra. During the robbery, Castaneda was killed after being shot by the intruders, who were identified by family members, including his wife and daughter. The intruders stole cash, jewelry, and personal items before leaving the scene.
Identification of Defendants
Witnesses provided compelling identification of Ardaniel and Corpuz as the perpetrators. Carmen Castaneda recognized Corpuz as a former acquaintance, while Aniceta Castaneda identified Ardaniel as a familiar figure from their community, which included attending school together. Their testimonies were substantiated by prompt identification of the assailants shortly after the crime.
Defense and Alibi
Ardaniel’s defense relied on an alibi, claiming he was at a celebration in another barangay, performing music during the time of the crime. However, this defense was weakened by the positive identifications from multiple prosecution witnesses, which were deemed credible and consistent.
Analysis of Witness Credibility
The court found the testimonies of the Castaneda family credible, noting their proximity to the events and absence of motive to falsely accuse the defendants. The promptness of their identifications and their accounts corroborated with the evidence presented, solidifying their reliability.
Legal Considerations
The crime of robbery with homicide carr
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Case Overview
- The case involves a joint trial for robbery with homicide against Severino Corpuz, Luis Ardaniel, and two unidentified accomplices, with a separate charge against Pascual Gallardo.
- The trial took place in the Court of First Instance of Abra, where all defendants pleaded not guilty.
- The court acquitted Gallardo based on reasonable doubt while convicting Corpuz and Ardaniel, sentencing them to reclusion perpetua and various indemnities.
Facts of the Case
- The incident occurred on the night of May 2, 1952, at the residence of ex-mayor Antonio Castaneda in barrio Alimodong, La Paz, Abra.
- Castaneda and his family were awakened by two armed intruders who ordered them to prepare food.
- Carmen Castaneda recognized one intruder as Severino Corpuz, while Aniceta Castaneda identified the other as Luis Ardaniel.
- The intruders stole various items, including cash, jewelry, and a wristwatch, and attempted to sexually assault Aniceta.
- When Antonio Castaneda intervened to protect his daughter, Ardaniel shot him multiple times, resulting in his death.