Manaus driver faces potential jury trial after fatal accident

The Amazonas judiciary is evaluating whether driver Moacir José Mendes de Albuquerque should face a jury trial following a fatal accident on Avenida Djalma Batista in Manaus. The collision, which occurred on July 19, 2026, resulted in the death of 29-year-old Lucas Eduardo Cunha Trindade.

According to the Amazonas Public Ministry (MPAM), investigations suggest the driver may have been under the influence of alcohol and traveling at high speeds. Evidence indicates that after losing control of his vehicle and striking the victim's car—which then hit a pedestrian walkway pillar—Albuquerque allegedly left the scene without providing assistance. Security footage captured the impact.

Judge Ian Andrezzo Dutra has forwarded the inquiry to the Jury Court to determine if the incident constitutes ‘dolo eventual’ (indirect intent), where a person assumes the risk of causing a fatal outcome, or ‘culpa consciente’ (conscious negligence). The judicial decision does not guarantee a jury trial but allows the specialized unit to evaluate whether the driver's conduct warrants such proceedings.