Case Summary (G.R. No. 94494)
Charge and Conviction
The Regional Trial Court of Manila, Branch 12, convicted Dionisio Lapura y Cajan of murder, imposing the penalty of reclusion perpetua. The information, charging Lapura with murder, was filed on March 1, 1988, alleging that he, along with others still unknown, conspired to kill Lim by firing multiple shots at him using a .45 caliber pistol.
Evidence and Trial Proceedings
At trial, testimonies revealed that the victim was ambushed while driving on Honorio Lopez Blvd. Witness Edgardo Samson identified Lapura as one of the assailants who fired from the left side of Lim's car. The prosecution established the victim died from three gunshot wounds, with forensic evidence indicating they were inflicted at close range.
Defense Strategy
Lapura's defense centered around an alibi, claiming he was asleep at his sister’s house at the time of the shooting. This alibi was corroborated by his sister, but the trial court ultimately rejected it in favor of the prosecution's evidence, including the eyewitness account.
Legal Issues Raised
Lapura raised several legal arguments on appeal, claiming the trial court should have dismissed the case due to procedural flaws concerning the filing of the information without proper authority from the city prosecutor. However, the court upheld the presumption of regularity in official functions, dismissing this argument as unsubstantiated.
Motion for Acquittal and Procedural Concerns
The appeal also contended that the trial court should have considered alleged contradictions in Samson's testimonies as grounds for dismissal. However, the court found no material inconsistencies that would affect Samson’s credibility, especially given his identification of Lapura during a police line-up and later in court.
Right to Legal Counsel
Lapura also argued that his right to legal counsel was violated during the police line-up. However, the court noted that his attorney was present during the investigation, which contradicts Lapura's claim of being unassisted.
Conclusion on Appeal
The appellate court found the trial co
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Case Overview
- The case revolves around the conviction of Dionisio Lapura y Cajan for the murder of Petronilo Lim, with the decision rendered by the Regional Trial Court of Manila on June 4, 1990.
- The court imposed the penalty of reclusion perpetua and reserved the right for the victim's heirs to file a separate civil suit for indemnification.
- The information filed against the appellant stated that on February 19, 1988, in Manila, he, along with others, conspired to kill Petronilo Lim by shooting him multiple times with a .45 caliber pistol.
Procedural History
- The appellant was arraigned on April 13, 1988, pleading not guilty to the charge.
- A petition for bail was filed and subsequently denied on September 14, 1988, with a motion for reconsideration also denied.
- The prosecution presented eyewitness testimony and physical evidence linking the appellant to the crime.
Facts of the Case
- On the morning of February 19, 1988, Petronilo Lim, a special agent of the Criminal Investigation Service, was shot while driving his car on Honorio Lopez Blvd., Manila.
- Eyewitness Edgardo Samson observed two assailants, one of whom was identified as the appellant, who fired at the victim.
- Lim attempted to defend himself but ultimately succumbed to multiple gunshot wounds inflicted by the assailants.
Eyewitness Testimony
- Edgardo Samson provided critical testimony, witnessing the shooting from a distance of ap