The trial of Luis de Farias Pacheco, a police officer accused of shooting and killing two-year-old Hillary Souza Valadares, has started at the Forum of Peruíbe, located on the coast of São Paulo. This tragic incident dates back to February 2019 when the young girl was accidentally shot in the head during a police pursuit. The case has drawn significant attention due to the plight of the bereaved family and the nature of the incident involving law enforcement.

During the trial proceedings, a total of nine witnesses are expected to provide their testimonies, alongside the defendant’s interrogation which will occur via videoconferencing. Currently, Pacheco is employed by the 2nd Company of the 53rd Military Police Battalion in Águas de Santa Bárbara, São Paulo, and is facing the legal process while free on bail. The event has prompted calls for justice within the community, as the family seeks accountability for Hillary’s death.

The case had previously been closed by the Public Prosecutor's Office in 2020 due to difficulties in identifying one of the suspects involved. Afterward, the family took the initiative to hire a private forensic expert who conducted a reconstruction of the crime scene, yielding critical evidence that led to the reopening of the case. This trial signifies a pivotal moment not only for the family seeking justice but also reflects broader concerns regarding police conduct and accountability in Brazil.