People v. Jay Hinlo A.K.A. "Inday Kabang" — (At Large)

Summary

The Supreme Court affirmed the conviction of three accused-appellants for the special complex crime of robbery with homicide under Article 294(1) of the Revised Penal Code. On October 15, 2003, the accused conspired to rob the house of Spouses Clavel in Victorias City, Negros Occidental. During the robbery, victim Freddie Clavel was fatally stabbed by co-accused Jay Hinlo when he discovered them. The Court found all elements of the crime proven through the credible testimony of state witness Dumagat and corroborating physical evidence. The positive identification by the eyewitness prevailed over the accused-appellants' alibi defense. The Court sentenced them to reclusion perpetua without eligibility for parole and modified the damages award to conform with current jurisprudence, totaling P205,000.00 plus 6% interest. The decision reinforces that in robbery with homicide, conspiracy makes all participants liable regardless of who actually committed the killing, unless there is proof of an attempt to prevent it.