Joice Batiston Case: Driver's Defense Denies Homicide, Seeks Release

The defense for Richard Ferreira Tristão, a ride-hailing motorcycle driver arrested in connection with the death of Joice Batiston, 27, has filed a request with the court to revoke his temporary arrest. Tristão's lawyer vehemently denies that his client committed homicide. According to the defense, Tristão maintains that Batiston fell from the back of his motorcycle during the ride. He claims that after she became unconscious, he left to seek help. Upon returning to the scene, however, Batiston was no longer there. The lawyer also stated that Tristão does not know what caused the fall and had no prior relationship with Batiston before the ride. Tristão, 30, was arrested on June 25th, after failing to present himself to the police following the incident on June 19th. He initially remained silent during his first interrogation, stating he would only speak with legal representation. He is currently held at the Varginha Prison, with this being his only prior interaction with the correctional system. The investigation is ongoing, with the Civil Police collecting necessary evidence. The motorcycle used during the ride, which showed damage, and burnt fragments of a cell phone were seized for forensic analysis. Batiston was found severely injured on the side of Avenida Perimetral and later died at a health facility. The necropsy report indicated cranial trauma consistent with a fall as the cause of death. Tristão may face charges including homicide, failure to render aid, and leaving the scene of an accident.