A military police lieutenant charged with the murder of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu champion Leandro Lo has been officially dismissed from service, marking a significant development in a case that has gripped the martial arts community.
Governor Tarcísio de Freitas signed the dismissal decree on Friday, published in the Official Gazette this Monday. The decision removes Lieutenant Henrique Otávio Oliveira Velozo from his position, citing his involvement in activities deemed “incompatible with the military police function.”
This follows a unanimous decision by the São Paulo Military Court of Justice three months ago, where judges determined that Velozo’s dismissal was warranted. The tribunal described the lieutenant’s conduct as dishonorable and fundamentally incompatible with his sworn duties as a law enforcement officer.
The administrative action adds weight to a case involving the death of one of Brazil’s most celebrated martial artists. Leandro Lo, who earned legendary status in the Jiu-Jitsu world through multiple world championships, was killed by a gunshot to the head in August 2022.
While Velozo has now been formally dismissed from the force, the criminal trial continues with no shortage of controversy. Proceedings opened on August 5th at the Barra Funda Courthouse in São Paulo but quickly unraveled into chaos. Defense attorneys clashed with prosecutors and Lo’s family representatives, with exchanges so heated that Judge Roberto Zanichelli described the session as “chaotic.”
The defense presented evidence outside established legal deadlines and threatened to abandon the courtroom entirely after repeated disputes. Offensive remarks aimed at prosecutors further escalated the situation, prompting Judge Zanichelli to dissolve the Sentencing Council and file complaints with the OAB Ethics Court regarding the defense team’s conduct.
The trial has been rescheduled for November 12–14, with hearings beginning at 10 a.m. each day. For Lo’s supporters, the delay adds to the frustration surrounding a case that has already dragged on for over three years.
Lo’s death sent ripples across the global Jiu-Jitsu community, where he was revered not only for his technical mastery but also for his influence in shaping the sport. His loss is still felt deeply, and many within the martial arts world continue to call for justice.
