In the early hours of Saturday, January 7th, 2023, the trial of Bernadete de Lourdes Britto Siqueira Rocha and José Vicente Pereira Cardoso da Silva concluded, leading to a conviction that will see Bernadete serve 142 years in prison. The pair faced charges for orchestrating a massacre in Poção, Brazil, where three guardians and an elderly woman were shot dead in a violent dispute over the custody of a young girl. The crime took place in 2015, and it highlighted not only the deep-seated issues surrounding child custody in Brazil but also the lengths to which individuals will go to regain control over children in custody battles.

The incident became particularly tragic as the young girl involved in the custody dispute was present during the attack and suffered injuries, but fortunately survived. The court proceedings began on January 4th, 2023, at the 4th Jury Court in Recife, reflecting a serious legal undertaking given the nature of the crime. Despite the events taking place in Poção, the complexity and sensitivity of the case warranted a jurisdictional transfer to Recife, underscoring the severe implications of the crime within the community.

During the trial, the jury consisted of six women and one man who were tasked with determining the fates of the accused individuals. The case sparked significant media attention and public outrage in Brazil, serving as a grim reminder of the violence that can erupt from personal disputes and the grave consequences it has on communities. This sentencing marks a pivotal moment in the quest for justice for the victims and their families, indicating a societal acknowledgment of the need to address such violent disputes regarding child custody.