Man sentenced to nearly 9 years for fatal jet ski collision in Alagoas

José Tavares Malta Neto has been sentenced to 8 years and 11 months in prison following a jury trial in Maceió, Alagoas. He was convicted of homicide related to a 2016 incident at Lagoa Mundaú.

In August 2016, Osmar de Araújo Oliveira was operating a canoe when he was struck by a jet ski driven by Malta Neto. The collision destroyed the canoe and caused severe injuries to the victim, including a broken pelvis and perforated organs. Although the victim survived for 16 days in the hospital, he died from complications on August 27, 2016.

During the trial, it was noted that the defendant fled the scene following the collision. Malta Neto had previously admitted to the collision but claimed he lost consciousness afterward. He was taken into custody immediately following the verdict and will serve his sentence in a closed regime.