The Justice of Santa Catarina has ruled that the stepfather of a four-year-old boy, who was murdered in Florianópolis in August 2025, is to be tried by a jury. Although a date for this trial has not yet been established, the stepfather faces serious charges including qualified homicide and four counts of torture. Evidence indicates that his position within the family increased the child's vulnerability, heightening concerns over the circumstances surrounding the case.

The prosecution had sought to include two additional charges in their case against the stepfather, specifically citing a 'base motive' and the use of means that made the victim's defense more difficult, but the court ultimately rejected these requests. The tragic details surrounding the boy's death included evidence that he arrived at the hospital bearing marks of aggression, leading to an investigation that uncovered the horrific nature of the crime.

This case has stirred public outrage and raised discussions about child protection laws in Brazil, particularly given the escalating instances of child abuse. The trial's outcome could have significant implications for legal precedents in similar cases and the societal approach toward children’s rights and protections against domestic violence.