Case Summary (G.R. No. L-3510)
Facts Established by the Evidence
On the night of the incident, Pedro Bele opened his door to Magnaye, who requested to buy cigarettes. After acknowledging him, Pedro was attacked when Magnaye pulled him and stabbed him. Following the assault, the deceased cried out for his brother, Catalino Estrada, and attempted to flee into the house. Nonetheless, Magnaye pursued him and continued to stab him. Catalino Estrada, upon hearing the commotion, attempted to chase after Magnaye but was unable to catch him, leading him to return home to care for Pedro.
Investigation and Testimony
An immediate response from the barrio lieutenant occurred after Pedro's brother reported the stabbing. Early the next morning, Bonifacio Garin, a security officer, visited Bele, who identified Magnaye as his assailant. Bele indicated his belief that he would not survive the stab wounds. Later, the Chief of Police conducted further inquiries at the provincial hospital, receiving corroborative accounts from Bele, who reiterated that Magnaye attacked him.
Defense Assertions and Alibi
Magnaye's defense consisted of claiming he was at another location during the time of the incident, specifically at Severino Kuya's house in Padre Burgos, engaged in preparations for a local celebration. However, this alibi lacked substantial evidence, and the testimony of Severino Kuya offered no verification that would preclude the possibility of Magnaye attending the crime scene.
Counter Defense and Repudiated Affidavits
The defense produced an affidavit from Graciano Laraquel, asserting that he was the one who killed Bele. However, Laraquel later repudiated this claim, alleging threats and coercion from Magnaye to confess. During court proceedings, Laraquel described the events of that night, providing a narrative that implicated Magnaye as the real attacker.
Eyewitness Accounts and Testimonies
Numerous witnesses, including Aurelia Escritor (Bele's wife) and Catalino Estrada, confirmed Magnaye's identity as the murderer, asserting they had enough light to observe the act. They also testified that they had a longstanding familiarity with Magnaye, making it improbable that they would mistake his identity.
Assessment of Circumstances
The Solicitor General argued against the lower court’s decision to credit Magnaye with the mitigating circumstance of lack of i
...continue readingCase Syllabus (G.R. No. L-3510)
Case Citation
- 89 Phil. 233
- G.R. No. L-3510
- Date of Decision: May 30, 1951
Court
- Supreme Court of the Philippines
Parties Involved
- Plaintiff: The People of the Philippines
- Defendant: W. Daniel Magnaye
Background of the Case
- This case is an appeal from the defendant, W. Daniel Magnaye, against the decision of the Court of First Instance of Quezon Province.
- The original ruling convicted him of the murder of Pedro Bele, resulting in an indeterminate sentence ranging from 12 years and 1 day of prison mayor to 8 years, 4 months, and 1 day of reclusion temporal.
- The defendant was also ordered to indemnify the heirs of the deceased with P2,000 and to pay the costs.
Facts of the Case
- On December 9, 1946, around 9 PM, Pedro Bele and his family were in their house/store in San Andres, Bondoc, Atimonan, Quezon.
- A customer called out to buy cigarettes; when the deceased opened the door, he recognized the appellant, Daniel Magnaye.
- As the deceased delivered the cigarettes, Magnaye pulled his arm and stabbed him.
- Pedro Bele shouted for help, indicating his brother Catalino Estrada, while attempting to flee inside the house. The appellant followed and continued to stab him before fleeing the scene.
- Catalino Estrada attempted to pursue Magnaye but was unable to catch him and returned to assist Bele.
- Following the stabbing, Pedro Bele expressed to law enforcement that he believed he would not survive his