The São João Novo Court in Porto had scheduled the reading of the verdict for 2 p.m., but postponed it to July 15 at 2:30 p.m. due to the alteration in the classification of the crime type.
The alleged murderer was charged with qualified homicide; however, the panel of judges concluded that, given the use of a knife in the alleged crime, the homicide is aggravated by its use.
Furthermore, the head judge mentioned that the indictment does not include the possibility of an additional penalty of expulsion from the country, which could be added to the main sentence.
“And we must inform you [the defendant] that this penalty may be applied,” emphasized the magistrate.
According to the indictment, the defendant and his friend, both of foreign nationality, traveled together to Porto and stayed in a local accommodation in the Bonfim area.
The suspect, for unknown reasons, allegedly decided to kill his friend and dispose of the body, conducting Internet searches for this purpose and purchasing a trip to another country.
The day before, in order to execute the plan, the defendant allegedly stabbed the victim multiple times with a kitchen knife in the head, torso, arms, and particularly the neck, the accusation stated.
In addition, the suspect allegedly bit the victim on the torso, right arm, and severed the thumb.
According to the indictment, that same night, the defendant bought a large suitcase to transport the body, disposed of the victim’s belongings, cleaned the apartment, and turned off the surveillance camera.
