Rio Grande do Norte court moves suspected extermination group members to trial

The Court of Justice of Rio Grande do Norte (TJRN) has upheld a decision to send two men to trial by jury for qualified homicide. The case is being investigated as part of the activities of a suspected extermination group operating in Ceará-Mirim.

Evidence supporting the prosecution includes judicial wiretaps and messages from a WhatsApp group named ‘Os Caras Durões’. Investigators claim the group used the platform to exchange information, plan actions, and select targets.

Further evidence includes cell phone location data placing the suspects near the crime scene in February 2017, as well as testimony from a collaborator. The collaborator, who entered a plea bargain, admitted to being part of the group and provided details regarding the execution of crimes and the involvement of other members.