Case Summary (G.R. No. 180462)
Factual Background
Ester and George married on May 9, 1946. Their relationship appeared loving initially, characterized by shared activities, such as dancing and outings on a yacht. However, difficulties began when George engaged in a romantic relationship with Carolina Trinidad, a young actress known as Carol Varga, which escalated over time, resulting in an affair that ultimately led to George spending less time at home.
The Incident
On August 12, 1949, after George returned home late, he was shot while asleep at around 4:00 AM the following morning. Multiple gunshots were heard, and the couple’s maid and their children discovered George’s lifeless body shortly thereafter. The prosecution presented evidence that Ester, motivated by jealousy, likely committed the crime, supported by eyewitness accounts and circumstantial evidence.
Evidence of Guilt
The police investigation uncovered significant inconsistencies in Ester's account of events compared to the testimonies of the maid and the driver. Evidence included the presence of a revolver, allegedly used in the crime, which was found later by the maid along with spent bullets. Additionally, forensic findings indicated the existence of nitrates on one of Ester’s gloves, which aligned with the usage of a firearm.
Motive for the Crime
The prosecution posited that Ester's motive stemmed from jealousy over George's affair with Carol Varga. Despite her claims of ignorance regarding the affair, testimonies corroborated that Ester was aware of George’s infidelities. Evidence included the destruction of a photograph of George with Carol and her attempts to restrict Carol's access to George's funeral, illustrating her emotional turmoil over the relationship.
Defense and Counterarguments
Ester argued that her husband was killed by an unknown intruder and presented theories to support this claim, including ransacking and theft. However, her testimony faced significant scrutiny due to conflicting evidence, such as the absence of any forced entry, the locked doors, and lack of footprints that would suggest an outsider's involvement.
Judicial Analysis
The court analyzed the circumstantial evidence presented by the prosecution to establish Ester's guilt. It was determined that the multitude of circumstances, when considered collectively, painted a cohesive narrative consistent with her guilt, overshadowing her assertions of innocence. The decision reiterated the legal standards for circumstantial evidence—each element having to align in portraying someon
...continue readingCase Syllabus (G.R. No. 180462)
Case Overview
- The case involves an appeal from the Court of First Instance of Rizal, presided over by Hon. Ceferino de los Santos.
- The appellant, Ester del Rosario-Murray, was found guilty of parricide for the death of her husband, George C. Murray.
- She was sentenced to reclusion perpetua, ordered to indemnify the heirs of the deceased, and pay the costs.
Background Information
- Ester del Rosario-Murray was married to George C. Murray on May 9, 1946, while she was a widow with four children.
- George C. Murray was a retired officer of the U.S. Army, engaged in buying and selling surplus U.S. Army equipment.
- The family resided in a rented two-story house in San Juan, Rizal, with various household staff, including a maid and a driver.
Relationship Dynamics
- The couple appeared to have a loving relationship, often socializing together and enjoying activities such as dancing and sailing.
- However, their relationship began to deteriorate around May 1949, with George reportedly becoming involved with a young cinema actress named Carolina Trinidad (Carol Varga).
Events Leading to the Murder
- On the night of August 12, 1949, George Murray returned home late after spending time with Carol Varga.
- Ester took George's revolver from a sewing machine drawer earlier that evening and did not return it to him.
- Following George's arrival home at 4:00 AM on August 13, shots were heard from the couple's bedroom shortly after Ester entered the room where her children were sleeping.
Discovery of the Crime
- The mai