Minas Gerais court orders trial for man accused of killing missing ex-partner

The Court of Justice of Minas Gerais (TJMG) has ruled that a man accused of killing his former partner, who has been missing since December 2012, will face trial by a jury. The decision follows an appeal by the Public Ministry of Minas Gerais against a lower court ruling that had previously blocked the trial.

The victim, who was 23 at the time of her disappearance in Bugre, has not been seen for over 13 years. Investigators noted that she left no trace, took no personal belongings, and had no history of long-term absences. Evidence presented includes reports of prior domestic violence, conflicts regarding child custody and alimony, and medical records documenting injuries sustained months before she vanished.

While the court maintained the charge of qualified homicide for base motive, it removed the aggravating factor regarding the use of resources that would have hindered the victim's defense.