Case Summary (G.R. No. 123819)
Charges and Initial Proceedings
On November 19, 1993, Whisenhunt was formally charged with murder through an Information that detailed his willful intent to kill Elsa Santos-Castillo, which included a specific account of the violent actions taken against her. He was arraigned on January 6, 1994, entering a plea of not guilty.
Relationship Between the Accused and the Victim
Evidence presented in court indicated that Whisenhunt and the victim had a romantic relationship, both being married to other individuals but estranged from their spouses. After the victim resigned from her job allegedly due to rumors about their affair, she continued to meet Whisenhunt.
Events Leading to the Murder
Testimony from Demetrio Ravelo, an employee who worked for Whisenhunt, provided critical details about the timeline of events leading up to the murder. On September 23, 1993, Ravelo was instructed to fetch the victim and take her to Whisenhunt’s condominium. The following day, the victim was reported missing, and alarming actions began occurring, including Whisenhunt's peculiar behavior and attempts to hide evidence.
Discovery of the Victim's Body
On September 27, 1993, following Ravelo's report to the authorities, the mutilated body parts of Elsa were discovered in Sta. Rosa, Laguna. These findings were corroborated by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) agents who proceeded to investigate the matter further, leading to Whisenhunt's arrest on September 28, 1993, as he arrived at work.
Forensic Evidence
Forensic analyses, including the autopsy conducted by Dr. Ronaldo Mendez, revealed that Elsa had died from multiple stab wounds, with substantial evidence indicating that she had been dismembered. The relationship of the blood and hair found at Whisenhunt's residence and vehicle was pivotal in establishing the connection between him and the crime.
Defense Claims
In his defense, Whisenhunt denied all charges, claiming he was unwell and did not engage with the victim on the day of her death. He suggested an alternate explanation for the events and pointed at the potential involvement of the victim's estranged husband.
Verdict and Sentencing
The trial court, having carefully evaluated the testimony of Ravelo and the physical evidence, concluded that the circumstantial evidence supported Whisenhunt's guilt beyond reasonable doubt. He was convicted of murder, sentenced to reclusion perpetua, and directed to pay damages to the victim'
...continue readingCase Syllabus (G.R. No. 123819)
Background of the Case
- The case arises from a direct appeal following the conviction of Stephen Mark Whisenhunt for the murder of Elsa Santos-Castillo.
- The Regional Trial Court of Pasig City, Branch 152, sentenced Whisenhunt to reclusion perpetua and ordered him to pay damages to the heirs of the victim.
- The Information charged Whisenhunt with murder, detailing the violent act of stabbing and subsequent dismemberment of the victim's body.
Facts of the Case
- Whisenhunt and Elsa were involved in an extramarital affair while both were married but estranged from their spouses.
- On September 23, 1993, Elsa was last seen alive at Whisenhunt's condominium shortly before she was murdered.
- A key witness, Demetrio Ravelo, testified about the events leading up to and following the murder, including Whisenhunt’s actions post-crime.
Evidence Presented
- The prosecution relied heavily on the testimony of Demetrio Ravelo, who claimed to have helped Whisenhunt dispose of Elsa's dismembered body.
- Forensic evidence was also crucial, including hair samples and bloodstains matching those of the victim found in Whisenhunt's residence and vehicle.
- The autopsy revealed multiple stab wounds as the cause of Elsa's death, supporting the murder