Case Summary (G.R. No. 139338)
Charges and Allegations
The Information filed against Noguerras on July 6, 1985, alleged that he, in conspiracy with Rolando Collado, committed murder with evident premeditation and treachery against Edgardo Escondo. The act involved employing personal violence through stabbing, which led to serious and mortal wounds that caused Escondo's death.
Summary of Lower Court Findings
The Regional Trial Court summarized key facts leading to the conviction, establishing that Escondo was a respected figure within the barangay and had connections to both accused due to their involvement in drug-related activities. Tension escalated between Escondo and the accused due to incidents involving gambling debts, theft, and conflicts over their drug business.
Incident on the Day of the Murder
On the fatal day, after a series of escalating conflicts, Escondo was attacked by Rolando Collado while attempting to leave Cecilio Collado’s home. Rolando grabbed Escondo, strangled him, and repeatedly stabbed him using an icepick. Benjamin Noguerras soon entered the scene and also participated in the stabbing. Witnesses included women in the vicinity who pleaded for the attackers to stop but were met with threats.
Medical Evidence and Eyewitness Accounts
Following the attack, Escondo was transported to the hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. The doctor confirmed multiple stab wounds as the cause of death, corroborated by a detailed autopsy report. Eyewitnesses provided sworn statements post-incident, collectively recounting the occurrences and identifying Noguerras as a participant in the crime.
Defense Assertions and Court Analysis
In his defense, Noguerras denied involvement, asserting he was simply responding to cries for help and had no weapon at the time. However, this testimony was uncorroborated and contradicted by the consistent accounts of witnesses, who identified him specifically as an attacker. The court found improvements in the credibility of the eyewitnesses against the appellant's bare denial.
Discrepancies and Testimony Evaluation
Noguerras claimed inconsistencies in witness testimonies regarding the type of weapon used. However, the court ruled
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Case Overview
- The case involves Benjamin Noguerras, who was charged with the crime of Murder in conspiracy with Rolando Collado, who was at large at the time of the trial.
- The Regional Trial Court sentenced Noguerras to reclusion perpetua and ordered him to pay civil indemnity of P30,000.00.
- Noguerras appealed the decision, asserting a single ground: the lower court erred in finding him guilty beyond reasonable doubt.
Facts of the Case
- The incident occurred on July 6, 1985, in Quezon City, where Noguerras and Collado allegedly conspired to kill Edgardo Escondo, a barangay tanod (community peacekeeper).
- Escondo was involved in drug pushing and had conflicts with both accused due to various personal and business disputes.
- Disputes arose from a series of incidents including a chess game bet, accusations of theft, and disagreements over drug dealings.
- On the day of the murder, Rolando Collado attacked Escondo with an icepick while Benjamin Noguerras assisted in the assault.
The Attack
- Eyewitnesses described how Rolando Collado attacked Escondo by strangling him and stabbing him multiple times.
- Noguerras arrived