People vs.

Reyes
March 29, 1935 (61 Phil 341)

PARTIES:
plaintiff and appellee: People of the Philippines
defendant and appellant: Gregorio Reyes

FACTS:
On April 30, 1984, the appellant dragged the deceased towards the street and
stabbed her in the chest with a fan knife. Although the wound was just a slight
one, it not having penetrated the thoracic cavity, Fausta Tavera after running a
bit, died.

ISSUE:
WON the accused is guilty of homicide although the wound is just superficial.

RULING:
Yes. A person is responsible for the consequences of his criminal act even if the
deceased had been shown to be suffering from a diseased heart, appellant’s
assault being the proximate cause of the death, he would be responsible. When
a person stabs another with a lethal weapon, the accused is presumed to have
intended the natural consequences of the wrongful act.