Judge Orders Preventive Detention After Fatal Stabbing of Viçosa Lawyer by Client

Overview

• Marcelo Andrade Mendonça, 43, was attacked inside his Viçosa office during a scheduled meeting and died after being taken to Hospital São Sebastião.
• Witnesses told police the client grew agitated after viewing a document and accused the lawyer of acting for both sides before the confrontation escalated.
• The suspect, 53, was arrested in flagrante on a charge of qualified homicide and, after a custody hearing on Saturday, had preventive detention decreed.
• People present, including the suspect’s wife, colleagues and an intern, managed to restrain the attacker until police arrived.
• Police are investigating the motive, and the OAB commission plans to gather information, support criminal accountability and deliver a technical report within two months.