Case Summary (G.R. No. 184343)
Incident Overview
On March 29, 2000, Domingo attacked the Indon family, armed with a kitchen knife and a screwdriver. He was charged in six criminal cases arising from the assault, including the murders of Marvin G. Indon and Melissa G. Indon, and attempted and frustrated murder of other family members, including children Jeffer and Michelle Indon.
Prosecution's Evidence
Witness testimonies formed a significant part of the prosecution's case. Raquel Indon recounted the incident, identifying Domingo unequivocally. She described how he forcibly entered their home, brandished his weapons, and attacked her and her children. Medical records also supported the severity of the attacks, corroborating witness statements about the nature and extent of injuries sustained by the victims.
Defense Claims
Domingo’s defense was rooted in claims of insanity. He testified that he experienced hallucinations and was unaware of his actions during the attack. A psychiatrist later diagnosed him with schizophrenia, but there was no evidence tying his mental state to the time of the crime. The defense attempted to argue that his mental condition exempted him from criminal liability.
Initial Verdict
On November 13, 2006, the Regional Trial Court (RTC) convicted Domingo of homicide and attempted homicide but found no qualifying circumstances for murder such as treachery. The court emphasized the credibility of eyewitness accounts, especially those from Raquel Indon, and found insufficient merit in the insanity defense.
Appeal and Modification by the Court of Appeals
Domingo appealed the decision. The Court of Appeals, on April 30, 2008, modified certain verdicts, reclassifying charges to murder based on the presence of treachery. The court held that Domingo's surprise attack on the sleeping victims constituted treachery, warranting a conviction for murder rather than homicide.
Penalties Imposed
The appellate court adjusted the penalties, imposing reclusion perpetua for the murders of Marvin and Melissa Indon and modifying the awards for civil indemnities and damages. The total of damages for hospitalization, burial, and actual expenses was recalibrated, with some claims reduced or denied for lack of evidence.
Final Decision of the Supreme Court
The Supreme Court affirmed the Court of Appeals ruling, finding no compelling reason to disturb the factual findings. It ruled that the testimony of Raquel Indon was credible and that Domingo's claims of insanity were unsubstantiated, given the lack of e
...continue readingCase Syllabus (G.R. No. 184343)
Case Overview
- The case involves the appeal of accused-appellant Jesus Domingo against the Decision of the Court of Appeals dated April 30, 2008, which modified the Decision of the Regional Trial Court (RTC) of Malolos, Bulacan.
- The RTC found Domingo guilty beyond reasonable doubt of multiple crimes, including murder, attempted murder, and frustrated murder.
- The appeal questions the findings of guilt and the defense of insanity presented by the appellant.
Background of the Case
- On March 7, 2003, six Informations were filed against Domingo, detailing various charges arising from an incident on March 29, 2000, in San Rafael, Bulacan.
- The charges included:
- Murder of Marvin G. Indon (Criminal Case No. 1496-M-2000)
- Murder of Melissa G. Indon (Criminal Case No. 1497-M-2000)
- Frustrated Murder of Michelle G. Indon (Criminal Case No. 1498-M-2000)
- Frustrated Homicide of Ronaldo Galvez (Criminal Case No. 1499-M-2000)
- Frustrated Murder of Raquel Gatpandan Indon (Criminal Case No. 1500-M-2000)
- Attempted Murder of Jeffer G. Indon (Criminal Case No. 1501-M-2000)
Facts of the Case
- The incident occurred in the early hours while the Indon family was asleep.
- Raquel Indon testified that Domingo kicked their door open, attacked her with a screwdriver and kitchen knife, and subsequently stabbed her children, resulting in the deaths of Marvin and Melissa.
- Multiple witnesses, including Raquel and her children, provided testimonies corroborating the events and injuries sustained during the