Case Summary (G.R. No. 170375)
Factual Background
The attack on Jaime Soriano resulted in multiple fatal wounds, as described in a detailed autopsy report. Soriano suffered stab wounds to the chest and abdomen, a crescent-shaped flap wound on his scalp, and additional injuries to his arms and back. The wounds were inflicted by different sharp-edged instruments, establishing that the attack was brutal and well-planned. The time of death was estimated between 7:00 and 8:30 PM, and it was determined that shock due to severe hemorrhage from the stab wounds was the cause of death.
Criminal Charges and Proceedings
A criminal complaint for murder was filed on October 30, 1965, leading to the formal information being lodged in the Court of First Instance of Pangasinan in April 1966. The prosecution heavily relied on the testimony of eyewitness Virgilio Sarmiento, who observed the incident unfold and subsequently identified the defendants as the assailants.
Prosecution’s Evidence
Sarmiento testified that he witnessed Vicente initiate the attack by stabbing Soriano before being joined by Escorpizo, who stabbed Soriano with a small knife, while Bedonio and Cabiles threw stones at the victim. The prosecution presented this eyewitness account as crucial evidence to demonstrate the defendants' guilt.
Defense and Alibi Claims
In contrast, the defense claimed an alibi, asserting that the defendants were elsewhere during the attack. Each accused presented testimonies that aimed to establish their presence in different locations—primarily at the MGM canteen or the Pantranco station in Urdaneta—before they were arrested on their way back to Asingan. They contended that their confessions were made under duress, citing coercive tactics by law enforcement.
Credibility of Witnesses
The primary issue in the appeal centered on the credibility of the witnesses. The trial court favored Sarmiento's testimony, which had immediate corroboration from the timely arrest of the defendants. The appellate court underscored the principle that trial judges have the exclusivity in assessing witness credibility based on their demeanor and the totality of the evidence presented.
Ruling on Conspiracy and Murder
The court maintained that treachery characterized the attack, as Vicente’s sudden assault on the unarmed Soriano deprived him of the chance to defend himself. Furthermore, while Escorpizo participated in the attack, the court found insufficient evidence to classify his act as conspiring to kill, thus labeling him as an accomplice rather than a principal offender.
Acquittal and Sentencing
The court upheld Vicente's conviction for murder, sentencing him to life imprisonment, while Escorpizo received a lesser sentence for his role as an accomplice. The court acquitted Bedonio and Cabiles due to a lack of concrete evidence linking them to Soriano’s murder, concluding that reasonable doubt
...continue readingCase Syllabus (G.R. No. 170375)
Case Background
- The case revolves around the murder of Jaime Mariano Soriano, who was attacked and fatally stabbed on the evening of October 29, 1965, in front of a public market in Asingan, Pangasinan.
- The accused—Jose Vicente, Ernesto Escorpizo, Alfredo Bedonio, and Ambrocio Cabiles, Jr.—were charged with murder and subsequently sentenced to life imprisonment by the Court of First Instance of Pangasinan.
- The sole issue on appeal was the credibility of witnesses.
Facts of the Case
- Jaime Soriano was assaulted and sustained multiple stab wounds, resulting in his death that same evening.
- An autopsy revealed several fatal stab wounds, including:
- A crescent-shaped flap wound on the scalp.
- Stab wounds on the chest and stomach, with two cutting major vessels and injuring the lungs.
- Other stab and lacerated wounds on various parts of the body.
- A criminal complaint for murder was filed against the accused the day after Soriano's death.
Prosecution's Evidence
- The prosecution relied heavily on the testimony of eyewitness Virgilio Sarmiento, who recounted the events leading to Soriano's death.
- Sarmiento testified that while buying cigarettes with Soriano, Vicente confronted Soriano and accused him of being an accomplice in a prior shooting incident.
- Vicente then attacked Soriano with a dagger, followed by Escorpizo stabbing him multiple times, while Bedonio and Cabiles threw stones at the victim and his companions.
- The police were able to arrest the accused shortly after the incident base