Feb 13 β€’ 13:34 UTC πŸ‡§πŸ‡· Brazil G1 (PT)

Man who killed girl and shot teenager in Patos, PB, is sentenced to over 31 years in prison

A man has been sentenced to over 31 years in prison for the murder of a six-year-old girl and the attempted murder of a teenager in Patos, Brazil.

Matheus Soares de Almeida e Sousa, a 28-year-old man, was sentenced to over 31 years in prison by the Court of Law in Patos, Brazil, for the brutal murder of Aylla FΓ©lix dos Santos, who was just five years old at the time of her death in 2024. The jury trial took place in Patos on Thursday, October 12, 2023, where evidence and testimonies revealed that the crime was premeditated and executed with a clear motive, leading the jury to impose a harsh penalty. The sentence included 20 years for the qualified homicide of the young girl and an additional 11 years and 4 months for the attempted homicide of a 17-year-old boy who was also shot by Almeida. Despite the defense's arguments denying Almeida's involvement in the incident and questioning evidence preservation, the jury found him guilty, highlighting the severity and senselessness of the crime. This tragic incident has shaken the local community and raised concerns about safety and youth violence in the region. This case draws attention to broader issues regarding crime rates and the judicial process in Brazil, as the sentence reflects an attempt to deliver justice for the young victims and their families. The resolution of the trial may also signify a message against violence targeting children and young people, which remains a pressing concern in Brazilian society. Public reaction to the verdict has been notably emotional, as many express their sorrow and outrage at the senseless loss of lives, particularly that of a child, and hope for meaningful change to prevent future occurrences of similar tragedies.

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