Novo Horizonte driver sentenced to 16 years for fatal drunk-driving accident

Letícia Rodrigues Biroque, 27, has been sentenced to 16 years of house arrest for the death of 20-year-old Vitória do Prado. The conviction follows a jury trial in Novo Horizonte, São Paulo, regarding a fatal accident that occurred on October 27, 2024.

Biroque was found guilty of intentional homicide, a charge applied when a driver assumes the risk of causing death. The incident took place at a busy intersection on Avenida Luís Baraldo, where the victim was struck while crossing the street on foot. The impact caused severe traumatic brain injury and heavy bleeding; despite medical efforts at the Hospital de Base in São José do Rio Preto, the victim died several days later.

At the time of the accident, Biroque admitted to consuming alcohol. She claimed she was emotionally distressed due to a personal argument and did not see the pedestrian, denying she was speeding. The Public Ministry has announced its intention to appeal the decision.