Case Summary (G.R. No. 136066-67)
Charges Against the Accused
Two separate informations were filed against the accused. The charges accused them of conspiring to murder SPO1 Enrique Castillo with evident premeditation, treachery, and superior strength. The prosecution aimed to demonstrate that the intent to kill was present, substantiated by eyewitness accounts of the murder.
Eyewitness Testimony
The prosecution presented two key eyewitnesses: Victor Nilo Fernandez and Reden Guzman. Fernandez testified that he observed the accused approach Castillo, followed by an exchange that ended with the shooting. Guzman corroborated this, indicating he witnessed the shooting from a passenger jeepney. Their consistent accounts formed a critical basis for the prosecution's case.
Forensic Evidence
Dr. Juan Zaldariaga, a medico-legal officer, confirmed that SPO1 Castillo sustained three gunshot wounds, observing the positions from which they could have been inflicted. The investigative officer, SPO3 Jaime Santos, highlighted the identification process, wherein the eyewitnesses identified the accused in line-ups shortly after the crime.
Defense Strategies
The defense relied on alibi and denial. Mataro claimed to be in Antipolo with witnesses during the time of the murder, while Perucho asserted he was in Aklan. However, both defenses lacked corroboration and were undermined by the chain of events presented by the prosecution.
Trial Court Decision
On January 29, 1997, the trial court ruled the defendants guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. The court underscored the credibility of eyewitnesses and the absence of any substantial evidence to support the defense's claims of alibi. The decision emphasized that the murder was executed with treachery, as the victim was surprised and defenseless during the attack.
Appeal and Legal Principles
The accused appealed the decision, arguing for their acquittal based on reasonable doubt and questioning the credibility of the witnesses. The appeal highlighted alleged inconsistencies in witness accounts regarding the vehicle used and the physical description of one accused.
Appellate Court's Findings
The appellate court confirmed that the identification of the accused was clear and unwavering, rejecting claims of inconsistencies as minor details that did not detract from the overall reliability of prosecution witnesses. Furthermore, it reaffirmed the trial court's findings concerning treachery in the manner of the attack.
Dama
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Case Overview
- The case involves the appeal of Arnel Mataro and Nick Perucho against a decision dated January 29, 1997, by the Regional Trial Court (RTC) of Quezon City, Branch 88.
- Both appellants were found guilty of murder concerning the death of SPO1 Enrique Castillo, Jr. and were sentenced to reclusion perpetua.
- They were ordered to indemnify the heirs of the victim for damages amounting to P725,000.00 as actual damages and P1,000,000.00 as moral damages, along with the costs of the suit.
Background of the Case
- Two separate informations were filed against the accused:
- Q-93-41704 against Arnel Mataro, detailing the conspiracy and the violent act against SPO1 Enrique Castillo.
- Q-93-48440 against Nick Perucho, similarly charging him with conspiracy and assault against SPO1 Castillo.
- Both accused pleaded "Not Guilty" during their arraignment, and the cases were consolidated for trial.
Prosecution's Evidence
- The prosecution presented two eyewitnesses: Victor Nilo Fernandez and Reden Guzman.
- Victor Nilo Fernandez: A jeepney driver who witnessed the incident; he testified that Mataro and Perucho shot Castillo after a brief conversation.
- Reden Guzman: Another eyewitness who corroborated Fernandez's account, stating he saw the shooting from a nearby vehicle.
- Medical testimony from Dr. Juan Zaldariaga confirmed that Castillo sustained three gunshot wounds, indicating the manner of the attack.
- Investigative testimony from SPO3 Jaime Santos confirmed the identification of the accused by Fernandez in a police line-up