In a significant step for the ongoing investigation into the feminicide of Catarina Kasten, 31, the first hearing of instruction and judgment was held in Florianópolis on June 11, 2025. The court session, which commenced at 2 PM, aimed to gather testimonies from witnesses presented by the Public Ministry of Santa Catarina (MPSC) and the defense of the defendant, Giovane Correa Mayer, 21. The brutal crime, which involved the sexual assault and murder of Kasten on a trail leading to Praia do Matadeiro, sparked widespread outrage and drew attention to issues surrounding violence against women in Brazil.

Catarina Kasten, an English teacher, disappeared on November 21, 2025, en route to a swimming class, only to encounter her assailant, with whom she had no prior acquaintance. The defendant is charged with feminicide, rape, and concealment of a corpse. Serious allegations underline the nature of the crime, which was committed in a public space, raising questions about women's safety in everyday situations. The court case is set against the backdrop of a larger national conversation on gender-based violence in Brazil.

The judicial proceedings took an intriguing turn earlier this year when the defense attempted to declare the defendant mentally insane, a plea that was rejected by the court in January. This rejection indicates a firm stance from the judicial system towards ensuring accountability in cases of severe violence. As the hearing progresses, the legal teams for both the prosecution and defense are expected to intensify courtroom strategies, reflecting the broader implications of this high-profile case in terms of societal attitudes toward justice for victims of gender-based violence.