The Public Ministry of Rondônia (MP-RO) has filed charges against 24-year-old João Cândido da Costa Junior for the brutal murder of 41-year-old professor Juliana Santiago at a private college in Porto Velho. The incident, which occurred on February 6, has drawn considerable attention and sparked ongoing investigations by the Civil Police. Santiago, who taught Criminal Law and worked with victims of violence, was fatally attacked within the confines of the educational institution, highlighting concerns over safety in such environments.

The charges against Cândido include femicide, committed with a base motive considered sordid, the use of cruel means, and actions that hindered the victim's ability to defend herself. The prosecution pointed out that the crime's location within a school setting has been deemed an aggravating circumstance. The investigation revealed that the motive behind the crime stemmed from the accused's desire for a romantic relationship, which Santiago had firmly rejected, stating that their relationship was inappropriate due to her position as a teacher.

This case compounds the troubling issue of violence against women in Brazil, attracting discourse around educational institutions' roles in protecting staff and students from such crimes. As the legal proceedings unfold, the community in Rondônia is left to question the broader implications for safety and gender dynamics in academic spaces, emphasizing the necessity for systemic change and enhanced protective measures against gender-based violence.