People vs Cupino GR No.

125688 Facts: On August 16, 1989, at more or less 9:45 in the evening, Gromyko Valiente had an altercation with accused Galos and a fistfight ensued when appellant Cupino and Dejoras arrived. Outnumbered, Valiente ran and was pursued. The deceased was stabbed twice by Galos when his attention was diverted. The bolo left embedded in Valiente's stomach was pulled out by Cupino. Appellant Dejoras tried to grab the bolo but unfortunately took hold of the blade cutting his hand. He then let go and run. Thereafter, Cupino stabbed the wounded victim. No witness for the prosecution testified as to the participation of Dejoras in the assault except that Dejoras joined Galos and Cupino when they approached the victim and he later tried to prevent Cupino from stabbing the victim. Nonetheless, the trial court rendered judgment finding all the accused, who acted in conspiracy, guilty of murder. Issue: Whether of not there was conspiracy in the case? Held: It is axiomatic that the prosecution must establish conspiracy beyond reasonable doubt. Conspiracy is not a harmless sinnuendo to be taken lightly or accepted at every turn. It is a legal concept that imputes culpability under specific circumstances. As such, it must be established as clearly as any element of the crime. The quantum of evidence to be satisfied is, we repeat, beyond reasonable doubt. The above testimony clearly demonstrates the conspiracy between Ramon Galos and Appellant Ignacio Cupino. Clearly, by the consonance of their deeds, both assailants conspired to kill Valliente.