Case Summary (G.R. No. 220486)
Charge and Proceedings Before the Trial Court
Elinjer Corpuz was charged with murder under Article 248 of the Revised Penal Code for allegedly shooting Jerry Corpuz twice in the head with treachery and evident premeditation. The case was assigned to the Regional Trial Court, Branch 68 in Camiling, Tarlac. Upon arraignment, the accused pleaded not guilty, and a trial took place, featuring testimonies from both the prosecution and defense witnesses.
The Prosecution's Evidence
Testimonies from Ofelia and Jerick Corpuz detailed the events leading to the victim’s death. They described how Jerry was attacked by Porfirio Corpuz, Jr., leading to a physical altercation. During this confrontation, Elinjer appeared with a firearm and shot Jerry twice, causing his death before he could receive medical assistance. The witnesses noted that Porfirio was restraining Jerry when Elinjer approached and fired the shots.
The Defense's Evidence
Elinjer denied the allegations, claiming he was at home cooking when he saw Jerry confront Porfirio. He alleged that when he engaged in a struggle over Jerry's gun, an accidental discharge occurred, leading to Jerry being shot. However, this version of events was contradicted by the prosecution’s eyewitness testimonies, which painted a different scenario of a purposeful murder.
The Trial Court's Ruling
Ultimately, the trial court found Elinjer guilty of murder, asserting that his actions were deliberate and marked by treachery. The court emphasized that Elinjer had approached the victim armed, which deprived Jerry of any chance to defend himself. The court sentenced Elinjer to reclusion perpetua and imposed various monetary awards to the victim's family totaling PHP 255,000.
Proceedings Before the Court of Appeals
On appeal, Elinjer challenged the trial court's findings, arguing inconsistencies in witness testimonies and asserting that the killing was accidental. The Office of the Solicitor General defended the trial court’s ruling and maintained that the factual findings supported the conviction. The appellate court dismissed the discrepancies raised by Elinjer, noting the significance of the eyewitness accounts.
The Court of Appeals' Ruling
The Court of Appeals upheld the trial court's decision with modifications on damages. The appellate court reaffirmed that the killing was committed with treachery as Elinjer shot Jerry while he was pinned down, thus preventing any chance of defense. Monetary awards were adjusted, increasing some compensation amounts based on prevailing jurisprudence.
Present Appeal and Issue
Elinjer sought to overturn the judgment of the appellate court, claiming that the conviction was unjust. He contended once again that the shooting
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The Case
- This appeal challenges the Decision dated February 18, 2015, of the Court of Appeals in CA-G.R. CR-H.C. No. 06274, which affirmed appellant Elinjer Corpuz y Daguio's conviction for murder, with modifications to the monetary awards.
The Proceedings Before the Trial Court
- The Charge: The appellant was charged with murder concerning the death of Jerry Corpuz, which occurred on September 2, 2011, at approximately 4:00 PM in Brgy. Padapada, Sta. Ignacia, Tarlac. The complaint specified that the accused shot Jerry in the head with evident premeditation and treachery.
- Trial Court: The case was assigned to Regional Trial Court, Branch 68, Camiling, Tarlac. Appellant pleaded "not guilty" upon arraignment.
The Prosecution’s Evidence
- Witness Testimonies:
- Ofelia Domingo Corpuz, the victim's wife, and Jerick Corpuz, the victim's son, testified for the prosecution.
- Ofelia recounted how Jerry was flagged down by Porfirio Corpuz Jr. shortly after leaving their home to buy feeds.
- After observing a physical altercation, Ofelia witnessed the appellant approach with a gun and shoot Jerry twice. Despite her cries for help, Jerry succumbed to his injuries before reaching the hospital.
The Defense’s Evidence
- Appellant's Testimony:
- Appellant denied the allegations, claiming he was at home cooking when he saw his brother Porfirio with a stick.
- He alleged that after a con