Ahead of the upcoming trial, São Paulo Public Security Secretary Guilherme Derrite has formally requested the dismissal of Lieutenant Henrique Otavio Oliveira Velozo from the Military Police force. Velozo stands accused in the 2022 death of world-renowned jiu-jitsu champion Leandro Lo.
Secretary Derrite signed the official decision on April 4, 2025, stating that Velozo’s continued presence in the Military Police “would represent a serious affront to human rights” and would result in the “delegitimization of authority before society.”
The timing is particularly notable as Velozo’s trial is scheduled for May 22-23 at the Military Court of Justice in São Paulo. In his decision, Secretary Derrite emphasized that “sufficient evidence” exists to justify the most severe disciplinary action possible.
According to official documents, a Justification Board was established to review conduct deemed “very serious” and classified as “disciplinary transgression incompatible with the military police function.” The incident occurred in August 2022 at Esporte Clube Sírio in São Paulo, where Velozo, off-duty and in civilian clothes, allegedly shot Lo following a personal disagreement. The jiu-jitsu fighter sustained a head wound and did not survive.
The secretary’s order outlines additional concerning actions that reportedly compounded Velozo’s situation. These include fleeing the scene without providing assistance, hiding for hours afterward, allegedly attempting to influence witnesses to create an alibi, and failing to report the incident to his superiors—all direct violations of Military Police disciplinary regulations under State Complementary Law No. 893/2001.
The declaration of unworthiness represents an administrative measure that could result in Velozo’s permanent expulsion from the Military Police, independent of the outcome of his criminal trial.
Lo’s death sent shockwaves through the sports community, mobilizing athletes across various disciplines. The eight-time world champion is widely regarded as one of the greatest figures in jiu-jitsu history, making this case one of significant public interest.
The jiu-jitsu community awaits further developments as the case moves toward its late May trial date, when Velozo will face proceedings in the State Military Court. Tatame was the first to report.
