Mato Grosso court maintains jury trial for attempted murder suspect

The First Criminal Chamber of the Mato Grosso Court of Justice (TJMT) has upheld a decision to send Darlene Carvalho Pereira to a jury trial. She faces charges of attempted qualified homicide following an attack on a supermarket employee in Barra do Bugres on March 26, 2023.

According to court records, the victim, a cashier, was stabbed twice in the back. Investigations suggest the motive was jealousy, after the defendant discovered the employee was in a relationship with her spouse. Evidence shows the defendant purchased a knife, concealed it in her bag, and even cut her hair to avoid immediate recognition.

Security footage captured the attack and the defendant's attempt to restrain the victim after she tried to flee. While the defendant confessed to the stabbings, she claimed she lacked the intention to kill, stating her goal was merely to “humiliate” the victim.