Summary
Leandro Lo was a multi-time jiu-jitsu champion and is a legend in the sport. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/leandrolojj
The Leandro Lo case has taken a turn. Last Friday (14), in São Paulo, military police officer Henrique Otávio Oliveira Velozo was acquitted by the popular jury of the accusation of having killed the former world jiu-jitsu champion. The episode that shocked Brazil and the world of combat sports happened in 2022, during a party at Clube Sírio, in São Paulo. After the result of the trial, the lieutenant made an official statement.
Last Monday (17), through a joint publication on Instagram by the lawyers, Henrique, who was preventively detained for just over three years, appeared asking forgiveness from Leandro Lo's family and friends for the sad event, which resulted in the loss of his loved one. However, the military police officer stressed that he acted in self-defense during the disagreement.
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At the time, the athlete was shot in the head and was taken to the hospital alive, but did not survive. In fact, during Henrique's trial, which lasted three days, the jurors accepted the argument of the police officer's lawyers, that he shot Leandro Lo in self-defense after a second confrontation with the jiu-jitsu legend. With the acquittal, the lieutenant was released on Saturday (15) and should return to the corporation in the coming days.
“I came here to ask for forgiveness. I was incarcerated for three years and three months, and today I can say that I had a unique experience, a genuine encounter with a strong, powerful God, whom I already knew, but whom I can now say with all certainty and conviction is with me and is in my life. In His name, I need to make a request, which is a request for forgiveness from the family, from the mother, from the father, from the sister, from the friends, and from all the people who loved Leandro Lo. But I would also like to clarify that, on that tragic day, I was placed in a situation I didn't want to be in, where I unfortunately had to get my hands dirty to preserve my life. So, I ask forgiveness from everyone. Not in my name, but in God's, whom I know is merciful and just, and may God comfort and console the hearts of all,” said the police officer.
Family asks for justice.
Visibly shaken, Fátima Lo, Leandro's mother, criticized Henrique's acquittal, calling the outcome of the trial a "second loss" and vowing that she will not rest until justice is served in the case. The Public Prosecutor's Office has announced that it will appeal the decision.
Leandro Lo's titles
Leandro Ló Pereira do Nascimento is a legend in Jiu-Jitsu. The black belt in the sport was an eight-time world champion and made his mark on the mats. The Brazilian also won five World Cups and eight Pan-American Championships.
Watch the video where Henrique Velozo apologizes to Leandro Lo's family and friends.
View this photo on Instagram
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