Accused of shooting dead triathlete on avenue goes to popular jury; cameras recorded crime | Tocantins

Wanderson, who was also 23 years old, was shot on the morning of March 20, 2023, while walking along Avenue J, in Aureny III. The victim was rescued by the Mobile Emergency Care Service (Samu) and taken to Palmas General Hospital (HGP), but died on the same day.

The Public Defender’s Office, responsible for Francisco’s defense, stated that it does not comment on court decisions, but that it works to guarantee the rights of those assisted. (See full note at the end of the report)

Security cameras from a store on the avenue recorded the crime. Wanderson was walking along the median when the suspect appeared on a motorcycle and opened fire. After being hit, he tried to crawl along the sidewalk to try to protect himself, but the shooter went behind him and continued shooting. At least three shots hit the victim.

Video shows man crawling to escape shooter on motorcycle

The police pointed out at the time that Wanderson also had several police convictions for threatening crimes, illegal possession of a firearm and shooting in public, in addition to being a drug user.

The suspect was identified in November 2023. According to a complaint from the State Public Ministry (MPTP), the murder was allegedly motivated by a fight between criminal factions. The defendant and another man allegedly killed the triathlete because, according to findings, the victim belonged to a rival faction.

The decision for Francisco to face a popular jury is on April 18th. According to the Court of Justice (TJTO), the defendant is in preventive custody.

According to judge Cledson José Dias Nunes, there is evidence that there was an intentional crime against life and sufficient evidence of authorship or participation by the accused, who is known as ‘Frank’ in police circles.

A date during jury season for the defendant’s trial has not yet been set.

See the full note from the Defender’s Office:

The Public Defender’s Office of the State of Tocantins does not comment on court decisions involving the trial of assisted people. It is important to inform that everyone has the right to defense, as provided for in the Federal Constitution. In this sense, the Public Defender’s Office acts to guarantee its clients who do not present a private defense a fair trial and with a broad right to contradictory proceedings.