UBUSHINJACYAHA v. MUKARUSAGARA

The defendant struck the victim with a sharp object in the head, causing death, which demonstrates intent to kill; thus, she is guilty of murder under Article 311. Sentence is mitigated to 20 years imprisonment due to first offense. Damages awarded to civil claimants based on harm caused.

Citation: RPA 0241/09/CS
Parties: Prosecution: Ubushinjacyaha; Defendant: Mukarusagara Immaculée; Civil Claimants: Nyirandungutse Françoise, Ndungutse Anastase, Uwihoreye François, Nibabyare Solange, Nyirimana Shakira, Mukeshimana Béatrice
Court: Supreme Court
Jurisdiction: Rwanda
Judgment Date: 19 September 2014
Case Number: RPA 0241/09/CS
Procedural Posture: Criminal Appeal / Supreme Court Judgment
Outcome: Appeal partially allowed; conviction for murder upheld; sentence reduced; damages awarded.
Legal Topics: Murder, Mitigation of Sentence, Damages, Intent, Appeal
Source Language: rw

Criminal Law Civil Law Murder Mitigation of Sentence Damages Intent Appeal

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Full judgment text Legal principles 3 Authorities cited 2 Party arguments 2 Amounts and remedies 2

Parties

Ubushinjacyaha

Prosecution

Mukarusagara Immaculée

Defendant

Nyirandungutse Françoise, Ndungutse Anastase, Uwihoreye François, Nibabyare Solange, Nyirimana Shakira, Mukeshimana Béatrice

Civil Claimants

Procedural Posture

Criminal Appeal / Supreme Court Judgment

Legal Issues

1 Whether the defendant committed murder with intent
2 Whether the defendant is entitled to mitigation of sentence
3 Whether civil claimants are entitled to damages

Ratio Decidendi

Court Disposition

Appeal partially allowed; conviction for murder upheld; sentence reduced; damages awarded.

Orders

Defendant sentenced to 20 years imprisonment.
Defendant ordered to pay 6,327,500 Frw in damages to civil claimants.