Joana Mendes case: defendant remains silent during interrogation

Defendant Arnóbio Cavalcante, accused of killing teacher Joana Mendes, in 2016, remained silent during interrogation before the popular jury, this Monday (1st), at the Barro Duro Forum, in Maceió.

Assistant prosecutor Andréa Alfama explained that the option of not answering interrogation questions is the defendant’s right.

The trial was suspended for a few minutes, when Arnóbio Cavalcante stated that his lawyer would no longer act in the defense. But, according to the Public Ministry of Alagoas (MP/AL), he backed down after the judge indicated that he would call a public defender.

“At first, there was a conflict between technical defense and self-defense, but it was a situation that was calmed. During the interrogation, the defendant chose to remain silent”, said Andréa Alfama.

The popular jury began this Monday morning (1st) and is expected to be concluded in the early hours of this Tuesday (2nd). Debates between the prosecution and defense began during the night.

The feminicide took place on October 5, 2016, in the Poço neighborhood, when, inside the victim’s vehicle and using a sharp instrument, the accused inflicted more than 30 blows. The report points out that the man did not accept the end of the relationship with the woman.