Couple faces jury trial for fatal 2023 hit-and-run deaths of mother and child in Manaus

A couple accused of fatally striking a mother and her two-year-old son with a vehicle in Manaus, Brazil, began their popular jury trial on Thursday, May 9th. The incident occurred in January 2023 in the Cidade Nova neighborhood. Family members of the victims, Mirivan Moraes Soares and Matheus Soares, protested outside the courthouse demanding justice. According to the Civil Police investigation, the male defendant, Jean Paulo Oliveira, was teaching his wife, Idalina Maciel Oliveira, to drive a pickup truck when she lost control of the vehicle. Idalina, who did not possess a driver's license, then ran over Mirivan and Matheus, who died at the scene. The couple was initially arrested but later released during a custody hearing, and have been awaiting trial in freedom. The jury, composed of seven citizens, will determine the guilt or innocence of Jean Paulo and Idalina, who face charges of simple double homicide. The first day of the trial involved testimony from prosecution and defense witnesses. The trial is scheduled to continue on Friday, May 10th, with the defendants' interrogations, closing arguments, and the jury's deliberation and sentencing.