G.R. No. L-2614

FACTS:
The defendant-appellant, Silverio Paderes, was charged with the crime of homicide for killing Melecio Magdael on or about October 2, 1904. During the trial in the Court of First Instance of Capiz, the defendant admitted to the killing but sought to justify it by claiming that the deceased had made aggressions against him. The evidence established that the defendant was in the house of Melecia Magdael (the sister of the deceased) for an unlawful purpose. Upon discovering him, Melecia called for help from her brother, Melecio, who immediately came to her aid. A quarrel ensued between the defendant and Melecio, resulting in the latter’s death. The trial court found no aggravating or extenuating circumstances attending the crime.

ISSUE:
Whether the trial court correctly convicted the defendant of the crime of homicide and imposed the appropriate penalty.

RULING:
Yes. The Supreme Court affirmed the judgment of the trial court. Upon examination, the evidence proved beyond reasonable doubt that the defendant was guilty of homicide as defined and penalized under Article 404 of the Penal Code. The Court found no error in the trial court’s appreciation of the facts and its conclusion that no aggravating or extenuating circumstances were present. Accordingly, the sentence of fourteen years, eight months, and one day of reclusión temporal, as imposed by the lower court, was affirmed.