Driver Sentenced to 45 Years for Fatal Búzios Hit-and-Run

Yago da Silva Lima has been sentenced to 45 years in prison by the Armação dos Búzios Jury Court in Rio de Janeiro for the death of 18-year-old Maria Eduarda Souza Augusto and the attempted murder of her friend. The incident occurred on January 12, 2025, when the victims were walking on the sidewalk celebrating their high school graduation. Maria Eduarda succumbed to her injuries after being struck by the vehicle. The court cited aggravating factors, including the driver's intoxication, failure to render aid, and attempt to evade responsibility by fleeing the scene and hiding the vehicle. The jury's decision followed a day-long trial, witnessed by the victim's emotional family and friends. The victim's parents expressed that while the sentence cannot bring back their daughter, it represents a sense of justice. Investigations revealed that Maria Eduarda and two friends were hit by the car, and her friend, Giovana Larrubia Contides, was also injured and hospitalized. The driver confessed to consuming alcohol before driving, claiming he fell asleep at the wheel and lacked a driver's license. Security footage helped identify the vehicle, which the accused had sublet. Initially, a request for temporary arrest was denied due to the suspect's voluntary surrender and cooperation, with cautionary measures imposed instead, including monthly court appearances and restrictions on travel. His phone records were also authorized for review to determine if he was using it during the incident. The Public Prosecutor's Office had charged Yago da Silva Lima with simple homicide, leading to the trial by the Jury Court, which handles intentional crimes against life.