An update is now available on the murder trial of BJJ legend Leandro Lo, and the initial hearing has now been scheduled for February 3rd, 2023. This has been decided by the presiding judge in Sao Paulo, Brazil and although it is possible that it changes, it seems unlikely given that its just a matter of weeks away. Given the nature of the case, it would appear to the untrained that this should be pretty much open and shut. Unfortunately though, the legal system is never that straightforward and there is much to do before a final verdict is eventually reached.
According to an initial report by Brazilian media outlet G1 and witnesses to the event on August 7th, 2022, Henrique Otavio Oliveira Velozo got into an altercation with Lo after grabbing a drink from his table. Lo then took down Velozo and subdued him relatively quickly, pinning the 30 year-old in the Sao Paulo nightclub. After Lo then let him walk away, Velozo returned and shot him in the head from close range. Lo was rushed to hospital immediately but there was nothing that could be done and he was pronounced dead at the age of 33.
The family of Leandro Lo shared a message through social media to update the public on the date of the initial hearing in the murder trial:
“Hearing scheduled for February 3. We ask for the prayers of everyone in the Jiu-Jitsu community so that, on the date in question, we are in unison demanding JUSTICE for the murder of our legend Leandro Lo.”
Lo was an incredible grappler and a prominent figure in the BJJ community, so naturally plenty of people will want updates on how the trial is progressing. Jitsmagazine will be following the news on the murder trial of Leandro Lo long after the initial hearing takes place, bringing you updates as and when they happen.
