An inmate at the Joinville prison in northern Santa Catarina was sentenced to more than 21 years in prison for stabbing another inmate inside the ward. The crime happened while the victim was sleeping.

In Joinville prison, a man stabbed another prisoner to death – Photo: Reproduction / Internet

According to the public ministry, the murder took place in December 2020, when the defendant attacked Loar Severo da Silva while he was sleeping.

Prosecutor Adrian Nicoli Graciano argued that “the defendant struck at the vital and sensitive parts of the victim’s body, causing him unnecessary suffering. In addition, he attacked the victim while she was sleeping, preventing her from showing any defensive reaction.”

The defendant confessed to the crime and was sentenced to 21 years and four months behind closed doors for qualifying violent murder twice and an appeal that interfered with the defense of the victim. Another defendant was acquitted at the request of the Ministry of Health due to insufficient evidence against him.

The defendant may appeal the decision, although not free of charge. Before the murder, he was already in jail.