At the beginning of the trial, the defendant’s lawyer informed the panel of judges that the defendant wishes to speak, but only after reviewing the psychiatric evaluation ordered by the court.
This morning, several individuals, including the victim’s and the defendant’s relatives, as well as a detective from the Judicial Police (PJ), testified.
The defendant, who is being held in preventive custody, faces charges of aggravated homicide, attempted aggravated robbery, and aggravated theft.
According to the indictment, between August 22 and 23, the 26-year-old man, aware that his aunt lived alone, had mobility issues, and possessed jewelry and money from renting out properties, decided to visit her home to ask for a loan.
Upon entering her house, which she allowed because he was family, the defendant requested money to build a house, which she refused, according to the Public Ministry (MP).
Faced with her refusal, while still asking for money, he reportedly punched her in the face multiple times, causing her to fall and lose consciousness.
To prevent his aunt from reporting him to the police, he “decided to kill her,” using duct tape and a wool coat to suffocate her by constricting her respiratory passages, resulting in asphyxiation.
“The fact that the victim did not lend him money did not justify, in any way, taking her life,” argued the MP.
After the crime, the young man searched the entire house for money, which he did not find, and left the premises, taking the door key with him to return later, which he did “at least three times” between August 23 and 26, according to the indictment.
On these occasions, without the consent of his aunt or her heirs, he “took and carried away” bottles of alcohol and other items like costume jewelry earrings and rings, valued at 378 euros.
In the victim’s house, he left cigarette butts he had smoked and some of his belongings.
As the aunt had not been seen for several days, at the request of family members, local firefighters were called on August 25 to force open the door, discovering the woman dead with signs of violence.
The PJ’s investigation led them to her nephew, who possessed items taken from the victim’s home, found in his house and car.
The trial continues on June 17 at 9:30 a.m.
