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Jairinho sentenced to 43 years for Henry Borel's death; Monique receives judicial pardon

5 sources · 04 Jun 2026 · Share coverage ·

verbatim from the press

Former city councilman Jairo Souza Santos Júnior, known as Jairinho, was sentenced early Thursday morning (4th) to 43 years, 9 months and 20 days in prison for the death of 4-year-old Henry Borel. Jurors at Rio de Janeiro's 2nd Jury Court recognized his guilt for double qualified homicide and one count of torture against the child, occurring in March 2021.

Press quotes (1)
Folha de S.Paulo

"Jairo Souza Santos Júnior, o Jairinho, foi condenado na madrugada desta quinta-feira (4) a 43 anos, nove meses e 20 dias de prisão pela morte de Henry Borel, de 4 anos"

Monique Medeiros, the boy's mother, was convicted of omission regarding her son's torture and received a sentence of 1 year and 4 months in prison, already considered served. Regarding the homicide charge, jurors reclassified the crime to culpable homicide, and Judge Elizabeth Machado Louro applied judicial pardon. Monique will leave prison after sentencing.

Press quotes (1)
Folha de S.Paulo

"Monique Medeiros, mãe do menino, foi condenada por omissão diante da tortura sofrida pelo filho e recebeu pena de um ano e quatro meses de prisão, já considerada cumprida. Em relação à acusação de homicídio, os jurados desclassificaram o crime para homicídio culposo, e a juíza Elizabeth Machado Louro aplicou perdão judicial"

The sentencing council acquitted Jairinho of two other torture charges that were also being analyzed during the trial, but convicted him of coercion. Monique was acquitted of the coercion charge, leaving only recognition of responsibility for omission regarding violence against Henry.

Press quotes (1)
Band

"Os jurados absolveram o ex-político de outras duas acusações de tortura que também eram analisadas durante o julgamento, mas o condenaram por coação. Já Monique foi absolvida da acusação de coação, restando contra ela o reconhecimento da responsabilidade por omissão em relação à violência praticada contra Henry"

The trial lasted 10 days, becoming the longest in Rio de Janeiro's Jury Court history. Henry died on March 8, 2021, after being taken to the hospital by his then-stepfather and mother, who claimed domestic accident. Medical-Legal Institute reports showed internal hemorrhage caused by violent action and identified 23 injuries on the child's body.

Press quotes (1)
Metropoles

"Com 10 dias de duração, Julgamento foi o mais longo do Rio de Janeiro em 18 anos"

1. What we know (2)

Jairinho was sentenced to 43 years, 9 months and 20 days for double qualified homicide and torture

4 sources Folha de S.Paulo CNN Brasil Metropoles Band

Monique received judicial pardon for culpable homicide and was convicted for omission in torture

4 sources Folha de S.Paulo CNN Brasil Metropoles Band
2. Where coverage thins out (2)

Covered by only some sources, or where the accounts diverge.

Covered by only some sources (2)

Judge criticized gender discrimination in treatment given to Monique during the case

Reported by: Oglobo
Did not cover: Folha de S.Paulo CNN Brasil Band Metropoles

Jairinho was sentenced to pay R$ 400,000 compensation to Leniel Borel

Did not cover: CNN Brasil Band Oglobo
3. What we don't know yet (3)
  • What is the complete judicial reasoning for the drastic difference in sentences between Jairinho (43 years) and Monique (judicial pardon)?

    Why it's still unknown: Attempt to obtain the complete sentence from Judge Elizabeth Machado Louro failed: TJ-RJ portal requires real browser navigation not implemented in research system

  • Which specific jurisprudential precedents and doctrinal tests were applied by the judge to justify the judicial pardon?

    Why it's still unknown: Consulted sources report only the final decision without detailing the complete doctrinal foundation of the sentence

    Did not cover: Band CNN Brasil Metropoles
  • What appeals are available and what are the deadlines for the convictions, and what is the Public Prosecutor's position on potential appeals?

    Why it's still unknown: Press did not report details about next procedural acts or MP manifestation about appeals

    Did not cover: Folha de S.Paulo Band CNN Brasil Metropoles

All sources

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