Case Summary (G.R. No. 118025)
Events Leading to the Murder
On the evening of July 4, 1987, Remedios Adolfo was approached by Susan Marayan, who requested her to accompany her while waiting for Dr. Sator. They took a passenger jeep to a location near the Mabolo Police Station, where Dr. Sator picked up Susan in his green Toyota. Her mother, Albina Marayan, grew anxious when Susan did not return home that night. The following day, her burned and naked body was discovered in a secluded area of Barangay Fuente in Carmen, Cebu City.
Criminal Investigation
The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) conducted an investigation following the discovery of Susan's body. Initial findings included hair strands collected from the baggage compartment of Dr. Sator's car, which were found to be similar to those of the victim. The NBI impounded two vehicles owned by Sator's wife, leading to evidence that linked Sator to the crime scene. Moreover, evidence indicated that the victim had suffered asphyxiation by strangulation prior to being burned.
Charges and Court Proceedings
Dr. Sator was charged with murder on August 3, 1987, alongside two unknown accomplices. He pleaded not guilty during his arraignment on September 11, 1987, and a trial ensued. The prosecution presented multiple testimonies and evidence, including the deceased's love letters to Sator, which indicated their illicit relationship. The autopsy confirmed the cause of death was asphyxia due to strangulation, and extensive burns on her body suggested an attempt to destroy evidence.
Witness Testimonies
Several witnesses testified against Dr. Sator, notably Ireneo Tangaro, who claimed to have witnessed Sator strangling Susan in the car on the night of the murder. Other witnesses corroborated his presence in the area around the time of the incident. Additionally, Sator's post-murder behavior, including wearing long sleeves consistently, raised suspicions.
Defense and Alibi
In his defense, Dr. Sator admitted to having an affair with Susan but claimed he dropped her off at a clinic before going to various locations, including a singing venue and a bowling place. His witnesses supported this alibi; however, these places' proximity to the crime scene cast doubt on his claims of being elsewhere during the murder.
Verdict and Sentencing
After evaluating the evidence, the Regional Trial Court found Dr. Sator guilty of murder and sentenced him to imprisonment. The Court of Appeals upheld the conviction but modified the sentence, emphasizing the absence of aggravatin
...continue readingCase Syllabus (G.R. No. 118025)
Case Overview
- The case revolves around the murder of Sharie-Ann Marayan (also known as Susan Marayan), whose burned corpse was discovered in a secluded area in Barangay Fuente, Carmen, Cebu City.
- Dr. Rebecco Sator, identified as the victim's alleged lover, was charged with murder following an investigation led by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).
- The timeline of events leading to the victim's death began on July 4, 1987, when Susan was last seen alive in the company of Dr. Sator.
Background of the Incident
- On July 4, 1987, at approximately 6:30 PM, Remedios Adolfo, an employee at a beauty salon, accompanied Susan to meet Dr. Sator, who was to pick her up.
- They traveled by jeep to the vicinity of the Mabolo Police Station, where Sator arrived in a green Toyota car.
- Concern arose for Susan’s safety when she did not return home that evening, leading to an investigation.
Discovery of the Victim
- On July 5, 1987, a burned body of a woman was discovered in a remote area of Cebu City. The body was naked and showed signs of having been burnt with gasoline.
- The investigation revealed strands of hair found in the baggage compartment of Sator’s green Toyota, which matched the victim’s hair.
- Susan's identity was confirmed through fingerprint comparison and testimony from family members.
Investigation Findings
- A postmortem examination revealed the cause of death as "Asphyxia by Strangulation."
- An amended information charged Dr. Sator and two unidentified co-accused with