On November 1, 2024, the 4th Jury Court of Rio de Janeiro sentenced former police officers Ronnie Lessa and Élcio Queiroz for the murder of city councilor Marielle Franco and her driver, Anderson Gomes. Lessa received a sentence of 78 years and 9 months, while Queiroz was sentenced to 59 years and 8 months.
The court proceedings followed over six years of investigation into the high-profile case, which has drawn national and international attention. Both Lessa and Queiroz were convicted of triple-qualified homicide, attempted murder, and vehicle theft related to the attack that occurred on March 14, 2018.
Despite the lengthy sentences, both men entered plea deals that significantly reduce their time in prison. Lessa is expected to serve a maximum of 18 years in a closed regime, while Queiroz could be released as early as 2031 after serving a maximum of 12 years.
The trial included testimony from nine witnesses over two days, and the prosecution emphasized the premeditated nature of the crime. Investigations into the murder have expanded, particularly following Lessa's plea agreement, which implicated additional political figures in the alleged conspiracy.
Among those named in the plea deal are Domingos Brazão, a councilor of the State Court of Accounts, and his brother, federal deputy Chiquinho Brazão, both accused of orchestrating the murder due to Franco's opposition to illegal land occupation in Rio de Janeiro. The Brazilian Federal Police have intensified their investigation, which has seen multiple arrests linked to the case.
The case has highlighted issues of political violence in Brazil, with Franco's murder being one of the most notorious political killings in recent history. The investigations continue to uncover connections between organized crime and political figures, raising concerns about corruption and violence in the political landscape.