On October 18, 2023, Valdir da Cunha Mendes was sentenced by the Jury Court of Balsas, Maranhão, to more than 28 years in prison for the feminicide of his partner, Mariane dos Santos Silva. The crime occurred on October 22, 2022, in the rural area of Fortaleza dos Nogueiras, after Mariane refused to return home with him that night, expressing concerns about traveling in the dark with their children. A heated argument ensued, leading Valdir to fatally shoot Mariane in the mouth with a shotgun, in a horrifying act witnessed by their children.

The public prosecutor, Nilceu Celso Garbim Júnior, argued that the crime was committed with a trivial motive and that Valdir used a means that severely hindered Mariane's ability to defend herself. This case has been classified as feminicide due to the context of domestic violence and familial aggression, marking it as a severe legal and social issue in the region. The prosecutor's office has requested an increase in Valdir's sentence, underscoring the gravity of the crime, particularly as it took place in the presence of the couple's children.

This conviction highlights ongoing concerns regarding domestic violence and feminicide in Brazil, where such crimes have been alarmingly prevalent. The case not only brings attention to the tragic circumstances surrounding the loss of life but also speaks volumes about the challenges faced by many women in domestic settings. Advocates for women's rights hope that this verdict will serve as a deterrent and stimulate greater awareness and measures to combat domestic violence in Brazil, where legal reforms and societal change are urgently needed to address these issues.