Case Summary (G.R. No. L-32756)
Applicable Law
The case revolves around the crime of robbery with homicide as defined under existing Philippine laws at the time of the incident. The decision is guided by the provisions relevant to robbery and homicide, and related aggravating and mitigating circumstances.
Facts of the Case
On October 17, 1969, both Rogelio Fuentes and Rodolfo Nartea, along with unidentified accomplices, conspired to commit robbery against Manuel delos Santos y Valdez. During the robbery, they fatally stabbed Delos Santos, resulting in his death. The stabbing was described in detail, revealing multiple wounds inflicted with a balisong knife. The police investigation revealed a witness, Eduardo Lozana, who observed the crime and later identified the attackers.
Trial Court's Decision
The lower court found Fuentes guilty of robbery with homicide, citing the aggravating circumstances of nighttime and the use of superior strength due to the number of attackers. Consequently, the trial court sentenced Fuentes to death, mandating him to pay damages to the victim’s heirs.
Response of the Accused
Rogelio Fuentes did not explicitly file an appeal; however, the law requires that death sentences be reviewed by the Supreme Court. During the proceedings, Rogelio contended that he was not the person known as "Boy Lelit," a name associated with one of the attackers, claiming a lack of identity with the term and providing an alibi that he was at home during the crime.
Analysis of Evidence
The Supreme Court analyzed witness testimonies, including that of Eduardo Lozana, who identified Fuentes as "Boy Lelit." Contrary to the defense's claims, evidence, including Fuentes' own sworn statement, substantiated his identity as the attacker, affirming his participation in the crime.
Assignment of Errors
The primary argument from the appellant was centered around the identification as "Boy Lelit." The Court concluded that Lozana's testimony, corroborated by Fuentes’ own admission in his statement, satisfied the burden of proof required for a conviction.
Examination of Aggravating and Mitigating Circumstances
While the crime was marked with the aggravating circumstance of nighttime, the Court noted that the crime was impulsively committed following a period of intoxication, which justifies the
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Case Overview
- The case involves Rogelio Fuentes y Pitelo, accused of robbery with homicide, following the violent death of Manuel delos Santos y Valdez on October 17, 1969.
- The trial court found Fuentes guilty beyond reasonable doubt and sentenced him to death, citing aggravating circumstances of abuse of superior strength and nighttime.
Facts of the Case
- On the night of October 17, 1969, Fuentes, in conspiracy with Rodolfo Nartea y Apolonio and others, committed robbery against Manuel delos Santos, resulting in the latter's death.
- The victim was attacked with a balisong knife, sustaining multiple stab wounds, which led to his death shortly after being transported to a hospital.
- Witness Eduardo Lozana testified to seeing Fuentes and the victim together before the attack, and subsequently observed the accused and others exiting the scene with blood on their hands and discussing the stolen watch.
Court Proceedings
- Fuentes was tried with the assistance of a public counsel and subsequently found guilty.
- The court’s judgment included a death sentence, along with monetary indemnities to the vict