Case Summary (G.R. No. 210500)
Charges and Background of the Incident
The accused were charged with two counts of murder under Article 248 of the Revised Penal Code. It was alleged that the group, while intoxicated, conspired to kill the victims, exploiting their vulnerability by making them drunk and attacking them while they were defenseless. Multiple weapons were employed, leading to the immediate deaths of the victims due to multiple stab wounds inflicted by the accused.
Evidence Presented by the Prosecution
The prosecution's case relied heavily on the testimony of Pablo Sumandig, an eyewitness to the events. His account indicated an altercation between the victims and the accused, particularly focusing on Renejane's involvement during the confrontation. Several witnesses, including Reynoso Mara-asin, and testimonies from other individuals present during the incident corroborated this sequence of events, indicating that Renejane had motive stemming from a prior apprehension by Patrolman de Jesus for illegal drug possession.
Appeal and Assigned Errors
Renejane appealed the trial court's decision, contending that it erred in relying on the testimony of Pablo Sumandig, rejecting his alibi, and in appreciating his innocence based on the flight of his co-accused. The appeal focused on the credibility of witnesses and the weight given to their testimonies.
Evaluation of Witness Credibility
The Supreme Court emphasized that the trial court's judgment regarding the credibility of witnesses should be respected, given its opportunity to observe their demeanor during the testimony. Despite Renejane's arguments regarding the timing and reliability of Sumandig's statement, the Court found that the delay in the witness coming forward was satisfactorily explained. Furthermore, the defense's attempt to counter Sumandig's testimony through witness Epifania Riponte was undermined as her testimony did not definitively discredit the eyewitness account. The Court ruled that Sumandig’s identification of Renejane as one of the assailants was credible and consistent.
Defense Strategies and Verdict
Renejane's defense relied on his alibi and the assertion that he remained at different locations during the attack. The trial court found these claims unconvincing, stating an alibi is easily fabricated and must exclude the possibility of the accused being present at the crime scene. Additionally, the possibility that Renejane could move between the established locations was plausible and went against his alibi.
Motive and Aggravating Circumstances
The evidence revealed a motive rooted in previous confrontations between Renejane and Patrolman de Jesus, which the Court noted could have fueled the violence that ensued. The court identified certain aggravating factors including abuse of superior strength and the fact that the victims were a
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Case Overview
- This case involves an appeal from the Regional Trial Court of Cebu, Branch VIII, which found appellant Beniano Renejane guilty beyond reasonable doubt of Double Murder.
- The decision imposed a penalty of reclusion perpetua, alongside an indemnity of P30,000.00 each to the heirs of the victims, Mario de Jesus and Regino Mara-asin.
Facts of the Case
- Beniano Renejane, along with five co-accused, was charged with two counts of murder for the killings of Mario de Jesus and Regino Mara-asin on November 1, 1981, in Barangay Lamesa, Balamban, Cebu.
- The accused were armed with various weapons and allegedly conspired to weaken the victims' defenses by making them drunk, employing their superior strength, and inflicting multiple wounds on the victims despite them being defenseless.
Prosecution Evidence
- Eyewitness Testimony: Pablo Sumandig testified that an altercation occurred between Beniano Renejane and Patrolman Mario de Jesus regarding marijuana, leading to violence.
- Details of the Incident: Sumandig observed that Paulino Laborte initiated the attack, followed by Renejane and others, and confirmed that both victims were stabbed.
- Context of Events: The group had been drinking together before the incident, highlighting that alcohol consumption may have contributed to the escalation of violence.