Man arrested for stabbing his own lawyer in Minas Gerais

The lawyer Marcelo Andrade Mendonça, 43, died after being stabbed by a client inside his own office in Viçosa, in the Zona da Mata region of Minas Gerais, this Friday (14).
According to the Military Police, the police were called by witnesses who were at the crime scene. Upon arriving, the teams found Marcelo lying on the floor and the suspect, 53, a client of the lawyer, restrained by Marcelo’s colleagues.
Witnesses reported that the client had a meeting scheduled with Marcelo on Friday afternoon. He arrived accompanied by his wife and reportedly became agitated during the meeting.
The lawyer then left the room and went to the reception computer to show a document to the client. According to witnesses, the man remained nervous, drew a knife from his waist, and stabbed Marcelo in the chest. Marcelo’s co-workers and the aggressor’s wife restrained him and managed to take the knife away from him.
With the arrival of the military, the suspect was arrested on the spot and Marcelo was taken to São Sebastião Hospital, but did not survive his injuries.
In a statement, the Minas Gerais Civil Police informed that they confirmed the suspect’s arrest on charges of qualified homicide and that he remains in custody pending trial. Forensic examination was conducted at the crime scene for evidence collection.
The Dinâmica College, where Marcelo was a professor from 2012 to 2023, posted a message of condolences on social media.
The Order of Attorneys of Brazil (OAB) also commented on the case and stated that they will demand investigations. See the full statement:
“It is with deep sorrow that we announce the death of the lawyer Marcelo Andrade Mendonça, brutally murdered inside an office while performing his duties. His passing represents a huge loss for the entire legal profession, affecting us deeply and enraging us. OAB Viçosa informs that they will take all necessary steps and lead all efforts to ensure this cruel act is rigorously investigated. We will spare no efforts in the uncompromising defense of professional prerogatives and the safety of all male and female lawyers. Faced with this tragedy, we reaffirm our unity. The legal profession will not be intimidated. We will not lose our courage. We will continue resolutely in the defense of justice, honoring those who, like Marcelo, dedicated their lives to the ethical and fearless practice of the profession. May God comfort the family, friends, and colleagues in this moment of immense pain. May Marcelo’s memory remain a symbol of strength, dignity, and commitment to justice”.