The trial of Michel Gonçalves de Araújo began on Thursday, February 12, 2025, in Praia Grande, São Paulo, for his involvement in the brutal beating that led to the death of 28-year-old Cesar Augusto Miranda da Silva. The incident reportedly occurred after Miranda was accused of attempting to sexually assault Araújo's daughter in November 2023. The courtroom proceedings began at 9 AM at the local forum, where witnesses, including law enforcement officials and family members of the accused, are expected to testify regarding the circumstances surrounding the case.

During the trial, Araújo has admitted his role in the assault and faced preventive detention from May 2024 until March 2025, when he was granted provisional release. Another individual implicated in the case, Deivison Andrade dos Santos, was initially detained but was acquitted in a trial on April 24, 2025, as jurors found he had not directly participated in the homicide. The defense argues that Araújo acted in a manner instigated by a heated situation, suggesting a complex interplay of emotional reactions to the alleged crime against his daughter.

This case raises significant discussions regarding vigilante justice and the societal responses to allegations of sexual assault in Brazil. The fact that Araújo resorted to violence reflects deeper issues with the legal system's handling of such accusations and the pressures faced by families in similar situations. As the trial progresses, the court's decision could set a precedent regarding the accountability of individuals taking justice into their own hands, which is a growing concern in Brazilian society.