Paulo Odilon Xisto Filho, originally sentenced to 12 years for the murder of his girlfriend and model Isadora Viana Costa in Imbituba, Brazil, has had his sentence increased to 16 years by the Santa Catarina Court of Justice. Isadora, who was only 22 years old at the time of her death on May 8, 2018, was murdered in an incident that has drawn significant public attention, especially given the context of gender-based violence in Brazil. The court's decision reflects growing societal awareness and judicial responsiveness to issues of feminicide and domestic violence.

The ruling comes after the prosecution, represented by the Public Ministry of Santa Catarina, appealed for a harsher sentence based on the seriousness of the crime and the conduct of the accused. During the initial trial in September 2025, Xisto Filho was convicted of qualified homicide, specifically feminicide, as it involved the murder of a woman due to her gender. The prosecution presented evidence of the defendant's past behavior, including having previously supplied drugs to Isadora and failing to assist her during a hospital visit, which the court deemed indicative of a lack of remorse and responsibility on his part.

This case highlights the ongoing challenges Brazil faces in addressing violence against women and ensuring justice in cases of feminicide. The increase in Xisto Filho's sentence may serve as a precedent for future cases, emphasizing the judiciary's role in tackling such crimes more rigorously. As public discourse around gender violence grows, the implications of such decisions could reinforce social norms against domestic abuse, fostering a more supportive environment for victims.