Four men accused of killing a rival gang member by shooting and stabbing a church in Chapeco were convicted in a jury trial this month. The sentences, added together, amounted to 84 years and eight months in prison, behind closed doors and without the right to appeal at large. The trial took place on the 7th and lasted 15 hours, presided over by Judge Jefferson Oswaldo Vieira, head of the 1st Chapeco Criminal Court.

Chapecó Forum — Photo: Chapecó Forum/Reproduction/ND

A greater punishment was imposed on the accused of shooting the victim, as well as on the military police officer who arrived to participate in the incident. He was sentenced to 30 years and eight months in prison. He was convicted of aggravated murder for clumsy reasons, the use of violent means and the use of a resource that made it difficult to protect the victim, in addition to attempted qualified murder for committing an agent who is a member of a public security agency. . He remains responsible for the illegal possession of firearms and the corruption of minors.

The other defendant, who also shot the victim and hit the fallen man with a machete, was sentenced to 19 years and four months in prison. He was convicted of aggravated murder for improper reasons, the use of violent means, and the use of a resource that makes it difficult to protect the victim, in addition to illegal possession of a firearm and debauchery of minors.

The other two defendants were sentenced to 17 years and four months in prison each for their part in the murder. One of them is still responsible for the illegal possession of firearms ammunition. The fourth defendant was also convicted of giving bribes to minors.

According to the complaint, on June 17, 2018, three defendants and a teenager chased after the victim. After the shots, the man tried to hide in the church where the service was being held. Already lying down, he was hit by a machete and several more shots. One of the defendants provided assistance by monitoring the victim’s place of residence and passing on information. Another provided ammunition. Supporting the forensic investigation, one of the defendants shot and killed a military police officer who was not injured.