Case Summary (G.R. No. 21884)
Facts of the Case
The crime took place on September 21 and 22, 1923, when witnesses testified to seeing the accused with the deceased prior to the altercation. Maria Castro observed two Japanese men, one tall and the other shorter, at the store of Sato. Later, on September 24, Sato's body was discovered with twenty-seven wounds, indicating a violent death caused by multiple stabs, including fatal wounds in critical areas of the neck and back. Evidence, including bloodstains and weapons, was found in the possession of the accused, leading to their arrest on the same day.
Evidence and Testimonies
Lt. Antonio Xerez Burgos discovered the victim’s body and various incriminating items, including bloodstained clothing and a knife which Saito admitted to using during the attack. Both Yokimiso and Saito provided sworn statements implicating themselves and each other in the murder, revealing a premeditated plan to rob Sato, culminating in a violent confrontation resulting in his death.
Legal Analysis - Criminal Responsibility
The court established that both appellants acted in concert with Tabuche to commit robbery while causing Sato's death. They were prosecuted under Article 503, case No. 1 of the Penal Code, which outlines robbery with homicide as a serious offense. The circumstances of evident premeditation and treachery were present, but were mitigated by the defendants' admission of fear concerning Tabuche’s threats, affecting the degree of their culpability.
Verdict and Sentencing
The trial court sentenced both Yokimiso and Saito to cadena perpetua, emphasizing their direct involvement in both the robbery and the homicide. They were also ordered to return the stolen items and pay damages to the deceased's heirs, solidifying their criminal liability under the applicable law of the time.
Appeals and Admission of Evidence
The defense contended that the trial court erred in admitting their extrajudicial confessions as evidence. The court affirmed that these confessions adhered to updated legal standards regarding admissibility, emphasizing the obligation of the def
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Case Overview
- The case involves the prosecution of Taijo Yokimiso and Kumekichi Saito for robbery with homicide in the Court of First Instance of Manila.
- Takeo Tabuche is a co-defendant who remains at large during the proceedings.
- The trial judge, Honorable Nepomuceno, delivered the judgment on December 19, 1923.
Incident and Evidence
- The crime occurred on September 21, 1923, when Kiro Zuki Sato was seen in his store by a witness, Maria Castro, who identified Saito as one of the two men present.
- The deceased's corpse was found by Lieutenant Antonio Xerez Burgos on September 24, 1923, in Caloocan, indicating signs of violence with twenty-seven wounds, four of which were fatal.
- Blood traces and clothing linked to the defendants were discovered at the crime scene, including a cane and a coat with bloodstains.
Arrest and Confessions
- Following the discovery of evidence, Yokimiso and Saito were arrested on the same day.
- During the investigation, bloodstained clothing and weapons were found in their possession, along with a watch belonging to Tabuche.
- Both defendants made sworn stateme