Overview

• Genivaldo de Jesus Santos, a 38-year-old Black man with schizophrenia, died in May 2022 after being restrained and exposed to tear gas in the trunk of a police SUV.
• A bystander's video of the incident, showing Santos screaming and kicking as smoke poured from the vehicle, led to widespread outrage and protests across Brazil.
• Justice Rafael Soares sentenced Paulo Rodolpho Nascimento to 28 years for aggravated homicide, while William Noia and Kleber Freitas received 23 years each for torture resulting in death.
• An autopsy confirmed Santos's death was caused by asphyxiation, with prosecutors highlighting the officers' excessive use of force and disregard for his mental health condition.
• The case has reignited concerns over systemic police violence in Brazil, where Black people disproportionately account for the majority of law enforcement-related deaths.