Jury rules Erica Pereira da Silveira Vicente committed no crime in killing of Everton Amaro da Silva

BELO HORIZONTE, Brazil — A Brazilian mother has been acquitted by a jury after she confessed to killing her boyfriend upon catching him in the act of raping her 11-year-old daughter.

On the night of March 11, 2025, Erica Pereira da Silveira Vicente entered her daughter’s room in their Belo Horizonte apartment after hearing screams. She discovered her boyfriend, Everton Amaro da Silva, on top of the child. Authorities say Vicente had previously found sexual messages he had sent to the girl in the days leading up to the incident.

According to her confession, Vicente drugged da Silva’s drink, then stabbed and beat him, castrated his body, and later burned his remains in a remote area. She turned herself in the same night, leading police to the weapon and providing a full account of the events.

Prosecutors charged her with aggravated homicide, arguing the killing was premeditated. However, the defense maintained that she acted in legitimate defense of her daughter. After just one day of testimony on March 24, 2026, a jury acquitted Vicente of all charges.

The verdict has sparked intense debate. Prosecutors have announced they will appeal, describing the acquittal as “incompatible with the evidence.”

The case has drawn widespread attention across Brazil, with many expressing support for the mother’s actions while others question the legal implications of the jury’s decision.