In a significant legal ruling, João Mota dos Santos, a man with a prior conviction for attempted feminicide, received a new 20-year sentence after being found guilty of stabbing his sister-in-law in Santarém, Pará. The trial concluded on Monday, October 9, at the Popular Jury Court. With a history of violent behavior, Santos had previously been sentenced to 11 years for an earlier incident in 2016, emphasizing the ongoing concerns regarding domestic violence in the region.

The judge overseeing the case, Dr. Gabriel Veloso de Araújo, confirmed that Santos, who remains incarcerated, will serve his new sentence in the Santarém Penitentiary under a closed regime. The stabbing occurred in July 2025, where Santos attacked his sister-in-law, Larissa da Silva, while under the influence of alcohol. This incident escalated to public violence when Santos was attacked by bystanders after the stabbing, highlighting the community's response to such violent acts.

This ruling is part of a broader judicial effort to address the rising tide of gender-based violence in Brazil, particularly feminicide, which remains a critical issue. The case has shed light on the persistent challenges and the importance of enforcing stricter penalties to combat such crimes, reflecting societal demands for accountability and safety within households. As Brazil continues to grapple with issues of domestic violence, cases like that of João Mota dos Santos emphasize the need for comprehensive legal frameworks and social interventions to protect vulnerable individuals.