The suspect in the murder of Mónica Silva, Fernando Valente, was acquitted on Monday of all charges following the verdict reading at the Aveiro Court.
“A disgrace,” was heard from Mónica Silva’s family members as they left the courtroom.
The court only confirmed that the defendant had engaged in sexual relations with the victim at least once and that Fernando Valente had obtained a prepaid card, which he placed in an old mobile phone to avoid detection. He used this to arrange a meeting with the victim on October 3, 2023.
It was also proven that on that day, Mónica’s mobile phone connected to a signal tower covering the defendant’s apartment in Torreira, where the accusation claims the crime occurred. It was further proven that, in the following days, the defendant and his father performed a thorough cleaning of the apartment.
Fernando Valente, who had a romantic relationship with the victim resulting in a pregnancy, had been charged with the crimes of qualified homicide, abortion, desecration of a corpse, unauthorized access, and acquisition of counterfeit currency for circulation.
The trial, which involved a jury composed of three professional judges and eight jurors, was held behind closed doors upon the presiding judge’s decision to protect the victim’s personal dignity, particularly concerning her children.
During the trial, the defendant denied the accusations, reaffirming his innocence during the final session following closing arguments.
[News update in progress]
