Case Summary (G.R. No. 112968)
Charges and Arrest
An Information was filed against Letigio, Nemenzo, and Ravanes on June 2, 1989, charging them with murder for the killing of Jimmy Repunte, who was shot and stabbed at approximately 1:15 AM during a violent encounter influenced by prior animosities. Only Letigio was arrested; Nemenzo and Ravanes remain at large.
Background of the Incident
The murder took place during the barangay fiesta of DASUNA, when Jimmy Repunte was at a family gathering shortly before being chased and attacked by the accused. Felix Repunte, Jimmy’s brother, described hearing his brother's cries for help and witnessing the pursuit by Letigio, Nemenzo, and Ravanes, which ultimately culminated in the fatal shooting and stabbing of Jimmy.
Victim's Injuries and Medical Conclusion
The prosecution illustrated the gruesome details of the injuries inflicted on Jimmy Repunte, noting multiple gunshot wounds and a severe hack wound to the neck, as determined by Dr. Jesus Cerna, a medico-legal officer. The cause of death was confirmed as multiple gunshot wounds along with a hack wound, establishing the violent nature of the crime.
Testimony and Defense
Letigio presented a defense claiming he was uninvolved during the attack and was instead at a birthday celebration nearby. He argued he was simply following Nemenzo and Ravanes to dissuade them from their intentions, asserting he was not present during the shooting. This narrative was contradicted by various eyewitness testimonies and evidence from the prosecution, including the acknowledgment of conspiring with his co-defendants.
Credibility of Witnesses
Issues of witness credibility arose, particularly regarding the testimonies of Pedro Taneo and Felix Repunte. The court upheld the credibility of these witnesses despite the defense's attempts to discredit them by claiming inconsistencies and self-preservation behavior in their accounts of the murder. The trial court emphasized that it is in a better position to assess the credibility of witnesses based on their demeanor and manner of testifying during trials.
Jury's Findings and Verdict
The trial court found Letigio guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, highlighting the clear evidence of c
...continue readingCase Syllabus (G.R. No. 112968)
Case Background
- The case revolves around the murder of Jimmy Repunte on May 23, 1989, at barangay Don Andres Soriano (DAS), Toledo City, Philippines.
- Accused: Arsenio Letigio (Accused-Appellant), Teddy Nemenzo, and Amay Ravanes (both remain at large).
- The information was filed on June 2, 1989, charging all three accused with conspiring to kill Repunte with evident premeditation, treachery, and abuse of superior strength.
Incident Description
- The murder occurred around 1:15 AM on the day of the incident, after a local fiesta.
- Felix Repunte, Jr. was awakened by his brother Jimmy's cries for help as he was being chased by the accused.
- Witnesses Felix Repunte, Jr. and Pedro Taneo observed the attack, during which Letigio shot Jimmy, followed by Ravanes hacking his neck.
- Felix attempted to assist Jimmy but fell victim to the assailants' gunfire.
Prosecution's Evidence
- The prosecution presented eyewitness accounts and forensic evidence:
- Felix Repunte, Jr. testified he saw the attack from 10 meters away under sufficient lighting conditions.
- Taneo corroborated this with his own testimony, identifying the assailants and the victim.
- Medical examinations revealed multiple gunshot and hack wounds leading to Repunte's death.
Defense's Argument
- The defense presented an alternative narrative claiming that L