As the trial of Lieutenant Henrique Velozo begins this Thursday at the Barra Funda Courthouse, Federal Deputy Delegado Palumbo has made a powerful call for justice in the killing of Brazilian jiu-jitsu champion Leandro Lo.
“He’s a murderer, a coward,” Palumbo declared, expressing his outrage that the accused continues to receive approximately $2,200 monthly while on administrative leave. “I put myself in the place of this mother, of Lo’s family.”
The former head of GARRA (Special Robbery Response Group) emphasized the senselessness of the crime, noting that Lo, a black belt and accomplished athlete, had reportedly immobilized the lieutenant before walking away from a confrontation.
“This military police officer already has a history of aggression, of acting tough because he’s armed,” Palumbo stated, calling for an exemplary punishment. “What I wish for him – and I would wish the same if he were a police chief or colonel – I wish for him to get 30, 40 years in prison.”
The federal deputy highlighted the lasting impact of the tragedy:
“Nothing will bring this athlete back. Nothing will bring Lo back. And the mother will suffer for the rest of her life. Meanwhile, this lieutenant is earning $2,200 per month, at all our expense. And the mother is crying, fighting for justice.”
“Let him get 30, 40 years! That’s where a coward who doesn’t know how to behave as a police officer should be sentenced.”
This trial comes at a pivotal moment, as São Paulo Public Security Secretary Guilherme Derrite recently requested the dismissal of Velozo from the Military Police force. In his April 4 decision, Derrite stated that Velozo’s continued presence would “represent a serious affront to human rights” and result in the “delegitimization of authority before society.”
The tragic 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 disagreement. The renowned fighter sustained a fatal head wound.
Compounding the allegations against Velozo, authorities claim he fled the scene without providing assistance, hid for hours afterward, allegedly attempted to influence witnesses to create an alibi, and failed to report the incident to his superiors—all direct violations of Military Police disciplinary regulations.
Lo‘s death sent ripples through the sports world. 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 as the jiu-jitsu community awaits justice for their fallen champion.
