Brazilian courts set dates for high‑profile criminal trials in Rio Grande do Sul and São Paulo

Three former military police officers will be tried by a Jury Court in São Gabriel, Rio Grande do Sul, for the qualified homicide of 18‑year‑old Gabriel Marques Cavalheiro. The suspects allegedly beat the teenager after responding to a disturbance call on 12 August 2022, placed him in a police vehicle and later disposed of his body in a local reservoir. The trial begins on 29 June with five prosecution witnesses and five for each defendant.

The São Paulo Court of Justice has scheduled a virtual hearing between 16 and 27 July to decide whether to revive racial‑injury charges against São José do Rio Preto vice‑mayor and works secretary Fábio Marcondes. Prosecutors seek to overturn a lower‑court dismissal, arguing that video evidence and victim testimony justify proceeding, while the defence contests the alleged use of a racist slur. The case follows a controversy that led to the official’s temporary removal from office in February 2025.