People v Reyes

61 Phil. 341

Facts

 The deceased, Fausta Tavera, who has been living with the appellant for a couple of weeks, was
persuaded by her parents to go home and were demanding the appellant to pay dowry of 30
before they could get married.
 Tavera told the appellant that she’ll be returning home to her parents, but the appellant got
angry and dragged her towards the street and stabbed her in the chest using a fan knife.
 While running towards the house of the barrio lieutenant, Tavera fell dead at the foot of the
staircase even though the wound was only a slight one.

Issue

Whether the defendant is liable for the death of the deceased.

Ruling

The Court held that the defendant is guilty beyond reasonable doubt of the crime of homicide.

Although the wound sustained by the deceased will not exactly constitute to her death, being
that the wound is merely a scratch, the defendant’s assault is the proximate cause of her death.

Therefore, the Court thereby sentenced an imprisonment from eight years to fourteen years,
eight months and one day; indemnify the heirs of the offended party in the sum if 1000 pesos.