The trial of Fernando Valente, accused of the murder of Mónica Silva, also known as the pregnant woman from Murtosa, continues today in a closed session at the Aveiro Court. The session was significant, as described by the attorney representing the victim’s children, for the “emotional testimonies” given by the victim’s father and younger sister. Additionally, there was an unsuccessful attempt by Mónica’s mother to approach the defendant.
Moreover, messages exchanged between Mónica Silva and Fernando Valente at the end of 2022 were analyzed, undermining the defendant’s claim that their encounter was a casual meeting. Messages exchanged between Mónica and her twin sister, Sara, were presented to the jury, with contents suggesting a close relationship between the deceased and Fernando Valente.
The messages revealed that Mónica talked regularly and closely with the defendant, with one exchange showing Sara asking, “And Valente?” to which Mónica replied, “He said he’ll see.”
Further testimonies included Mónica’s mother, Celeste Barbosa, who claimed in court that she overheard her daughter arranging a meeting with the defendant before her disappearance. According to Barbosa, on the Sunday before the disappearance — Tuesday, October 3, 2023 — Mónica was at her parents’ home, speaking with Fernando Valente on speakerphone, arranging a meeting for Monday, which was postponed to Tuesday due to Valente feeling tired.
Barbosa also stated that her daughter confided in her about expecting Valente’s child, which he purportedly wanted to keep a secret because Mónica was poor, and he was from the “high society.”
The case, held with a jury comprising three career judges and eight jurors, is being conducted behind closed doors, with no public or media presence, as determined by the presiding judge to safeguard the victim’s personal dignity, especially concerning her children.
Fernando Valente faces charges of aggravated homicide, abortion, desecration of a corpse, unauthorized access, and possession of counterfeit currency intended for circulation. The defendant, under house arrest, was apprehended by the Judiciary Police in November 2023, more than a month after the disappearance of the 33-year-old pregnant woman, seven months into her gestation.
Prosecutors allege that Valente killed Mónica and her unborn child on the evening of October 3, 2023, at his apartment in Torreira to avoid paternity claims and preserve his assets. It is further alleged that during the night of October 4 and the following days, Valente disposed of the victim’s body, hiding it in an undisclosed location, where it remains unfound.
