An elderly man, José Manoel Custódio, is currently being tried in Uberlândia for the attempted feminicide of his ex-partner. The incident, which occurred in 2022, involved him setting fire to the house where she lived and worked, following a difficult separation. The trial commenced on Thursday morning at the city's courthouse with no fixed end date in sight. The prosecution states that Custódio acted out of jealousy and rejection, emphasizing the severity of the charges against him.

Custódio, who was 65 years old at the time of the crime, faces accusations of attempted feminicide, a charge taken seriously in Brazil, especially given the rising concerns over gender-based violence. The victim, 63 years old at the time, fortunately managed to escape the fire unharmed, but the case underscores the jurisdiction's seriousness towards such violent acts against women. Additionally, the Office of Public Prosecutor is currently outlining the evidence and circumstances surrounding the crime as it seeks to hold Custódio accountable.

In defense, attorney Adriano Parreira is contesting the murder charge, arguing that Custódio's intention was not to commit homicide but rather to damage property. Parreira concedes that while his client did commit arson, he disputes the characterization of it as an attempt on the victim's life. The debate over the true nature of Custódio's actions highlights ongoing discussions on criminal intent and the legal definitions of gender-based violence within the Brazilian judicial context.