Fernando Henrique Dardis, known as the fake doctor who simulated his own death, was acquitted of the murder of patient Helena Rodrigues, which occurred in 2011. The trial took place in the Sorocaba Forum in São Paulo, concluding with the verdict announced late Thursday evening. The public prosecutor's office has declared its intention to appeal the decision. Dardis remains incarcerated due to other criminal charges pending against him in a different case.

The trial commenced at 9 AM, and by around 8:30 PM, the verdict had been reached following the testimonies of three witnesses, including one for the prosecution and two for the defense, alongside the defendant's interrogation. The testimony from the victim's son, as the sole witness for the prosecution, was particularly charged, as he directly accused Dardis of killing his mother, stating emphatically, "you killed my mother." However, the defense raised questions about the reliability of his testimony compared to earlier statements he had made.

In addition to the victim's son, Dardis's older sister and a retired medical examiner also testified during the proceedings. Despite the emotional weight carried by the testimony, the court ultimately ruled in favor of Dardis, leaving many questions unanswered regarding his alleged medical malpractice and past actions. With the state now planning an appeal, the case's implications may continue to unfold within the Brazilian judicial system, particularly regarding issues of justice for victims and accountability for medical professionals.