Minas Gerais Prosecutors Close Investigation into Detainee's Death, Citing Cocaine Overdose

The Public Prosecutor's Office of Minas Gerais (MPMG) has closed its investigation into the death of inmate Marcos Vinícius Tavares, 37, who died on May 31 at the Floramar Penitentiary in Divinópolis. The MPMG concluded that police violence was not a factor and that Tavares' death resulted from acute cocaine intoxication. The State Secretariat of Justice and Public Security of Minas Gerais (Sejusp) had previously stated that the inmate suffered a sudden illness after ingesting drugs. The MPMG's investigation was initiated following a request from the Brazilian Bar Association (OAB), which sought to examine suspicions of violence by penal police officers. The MPMG reviewed various documents, including incident reports, expert findings, autopsy and toxicology reports, administrative records, and witness testimonies. Ultimately, the office found no evidence to suggest aggression or criminal liability on the part of the penal police. According to Sejusp, officers discovered the drugs after a visitor threw a package into Tavares' cell. A disturbance ensued, with inmates and visitors throwing objects at staff. Police were called, and Tavares was taken to a holding cell where he experienced a medical emergency and died despite efforts to revive him. Tavares had been incarcerated since July 2025, with prior prison system records dating back to April 2008, though the specific crimes for which he was held were not disclosed.