Overview
- The court unanimously found former deputy Chiquinho Brazao and his brother Domingos guilty of aggravated double homicide, attempted murder of Franco’s aide, and membership in an armed criminal organization.
- News reports said the brothers received 76-year prison terms, though earlier accounts from the same hearing indicated judges would still determine the exact penalties.
- Justice Alexandre de Moraes said the Brazaos were not merely connected to militias but constituted them, underscoring the political nexus with criminal groups behind illegal land schemes.
- Additional convictions reported include ex-commissioner Rivaldo Barbosa (18 years), former police officer and militia member Ronald Paulo de Alves (56 years), and intermediary Robson Calixto Fonseca (9 years).
- The ruling follows 2024 jury verdicts that sentenced confessed gunman Ronnie Lessa to 78 years and driver Elcio Queiroz to 59 years, even as the Brazao defense disputes Lessa’s account and maintains the brothers’ innocence.