Case Summary (G.R. No. L-52819)
Factual Background
On October 17, 1989, Larry Lavapie and Rey San Pascual pleaded not guilty during their arraignment. Other accused—Benigno Catina Jr., Santos San Pascual Jr., Rey San Pascual, and Simeon Lachano—also entered pleas of not guilty on subsequent dates. The prosecution presented several witnesses, including Domingo Samonte and Jenny Cordial, who provided testimonies regarding the events leading to Sonny Sierva's death. The prosecution's narrative details how the victim was ambushed and subsequently hacked with a bolo, resulting in fatal injuries.
Evidence Presented
Key eyewitness Domingo Samonte testified that he saw Santos San Pascual, Sr. holding Sonny Sierva's hands behind his back while Larry Lavapie hacked him on the neck with a bolo. After witnessing the attack, Samonte fled the scene. Additional eyewitness testimony came from Jenny Cordial and Enrico Sierva, who, having arrived shortly after the incident, identified the victim and saw the accused-appellants near the crime scene. Dr. Alicia Mercurio provided the autopsy report, detailing the severe injuries that resulted in Sierva's death, thereby corroborating the witness accounts.
Defense Testimonies
The defense primarily rested on alibi and denial claims, asserting that the accused-appellants were at a dance during the time of the incident. Lavapie and Santos San Pascual, Jr. testified that they left the dance hall together and had stayed at a friend's barn, thus establishing their whereabouts during the crime. Other defense witnesses supported their alibis, arguing against the testimonies of the prosecution and contending that they lacked credibility.
Trial Court's Decision
The trial court ruled that the evidence presented against Larry Lavapie and Santos San Pascual, Sr. was substantial, leading to their conviction for murder, qualified by treachery. The court highlighted the conspiracy among the accused given their familial relationship and joint actions against the victim. In sentencing, the court imposed reclusion perpetua, ordered indemnities to the victim's heirs, and acquitted the remaining accused for insufficient evidence.
Appeal and Appellate Court's Analysis
The case was later appealed, focusing on the assertion that the testimonies of key prosecution witnesses had been retracted. The appellate court noted inconsistencies between the testimony of Samonte and the physical evidence, particularly regarding the location of injuries sustained by Sierva. This discrepancy raised reasonable doubt about the reliability of Samonte's identification of Lavapie as the attacker.
The court em
...continue readingCase Syllabus (G.R. No. L-52819)
Case Overview
- This case involves an appeal from the Decision dated December 16, 1996, of the Regional Trial Court of Iriga City, Branch 36.
- The accused-appellants, Larry Lavapie and Santos San Pascual, Sr., were found guilty beyond reasonable doubt of murder.
- They were sentenced to suffer the penalty of reclusion perpetua and ordered to pay damages to the heirs of the victim, Sonny Sierva.
Background Facts
- The accused-appellants were charged with murder for the killing of Sonny Sierva on March 29, 1989, in Sitio Tastas, Barangay San Vicente, Buhi, Camarines Sur.
- The information charged them with attacking Sonny Sierva with bolos, resulting in his death.
Arraignment and Pleas
- Accused Larry Lavapie and Rey San Pascual pleaded not guilty on October 17, 1989.
- Other accused, including Benigno Catina Jr., Santos San Pascual Sr., and Jr., also pleaded not guilty on various dates.
Witness Testimonies
- The prosecution presented numerous witnesses including:
- Domingo Samonte: Eyewitness who testified he saw the attack on Sonny Sierva.
- Jenny Cordial and Enrico Sierva: Came upon the victim’s body shortly after the incident and identified the accused-appellants.
- Dr. Alicia M. Mercurio: Conducted the autopsy on Sonny Sierva, confirming the cause of death as a seve