Notícia

Henry Borel case: understand how the trial is going after a week of jury

Por Equipe Editorial CifraNET · 02/06/2026

The trial of the Henry Borel case completed eight days of sessions in Rio de Janeiro. Since work began on May 25, the Jury Court has heard from police authorities, medical experts, the defendant's ex-girlfriends and the victim's family.

This Tuesday (2), the pre-trial stage continues with the interrogation of the defendants, with Monique Medeiros being the first to testify, followed by Jairo Souza Santos Júnior.

Henry Borel case: on the ninth day of trial, Monique and Jairinho must be heard | CNN NEW DAY

Summary of the first week of testimony
The first phase of the jury was marked by technical analysis and reports of coexistence. In the initial days, the delegates responsible for the investigation detailed the investigation.

The court then heard forensic and medical experts about the cause of death and the injuries suffered by the child.

On Sunday (31), the jury broke a historic record, when it became the longest in Rio de Janeiro in 18 years, surpassing that of former deputy Flordelis dos Santos de Souza. The brand takes into account the Criminal Procedure Code, which changed the rules of the Jury Court in 2008.

Henry Borel: trial enters its sixth day with testimony from his father | NOW CNN

Among the testimonies with the greatest impact were those of Jairo Santos Júnior's ex-girlfriends, who reported previous episodes, and that of Leniel Borel, the victim's father.

People who worked with the defendants were also interviewed, such as Henry's nanny and the house's maid.

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Monique Medeiros cries after receiving provisional release in trial for her son's death - CNN Brasil

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Jairinho, Henry Borel's stepfather, on trial over child's death - CNN Brasil

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Monique Medeiros, mother of Henry Borel, on trial for her own son's death - CNN Brasil

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Jairinho, Henry Borel's stepfather, on trial over child's death - CNN Brasil

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Monique Medeiros, mother of Henry Borel, on trial for her own son's death - CNN Brasil

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Upon arrival at the Jury Court, Henry Borel's father, Leniel Borel, expressed a mix of gratitude, anxiety and a strong plea for justice. He highlighted that the trial is not just about his son's name, but about "how much Brazil is willing to protect its children" - Camille Barbosa - CNN Brasil

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Judge in trial of Monique Medeiros and Jairinho over the death of Henry Borel - CNN Brasil

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The Sentencing Council was defined at the beginning of the trial of Monique Medeiros and Dr. Jairinho in Rio de Janeiro - CNN

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Cristiano Medina, acts as a lawyer and assistant to the prosecution, representing the interests of Leniel Borel (father of the victim) - CNN Brasil

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The legal team seeks the defendant's acquittal, supporting the thesis that Monique was in an abusive relationship with Jairinho and that he had a profile of victimizing people like her - CNN Brasil

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The former councilor's lawyers deny the attacks and defend the thesis that the death was accidental - CNN Brasil

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Former Rio de Janeiro councilor and former doctor, Jairo Souza Santos Júnior, was the child's stepfather and is identified by investigations as the author of the physical attacks that caused Henry's death. - Reproduction

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Monique Medeiros, mother of Henry Borel, is answering for the crime based on the relevant omission, because, according to the prosecution, she was aware of the torture suffered by her son and consented to the situation. - Jaqueline Frizon/CNN

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Accusations against the defendants
The defendants are responsible for different crimes according to the Public Prosecutor's complaint:

- Jairo Souza Santos Júnior: Accused of qualified homicide (through cruel means and an appeal that made defense impossible), aggravated torture and coercion during the course of the process.
- Monique Medeiros da Costa e Silva: Accused of homicide by omission (with aggravating circumstances due to being descended and with a bad motive), torture and coercion during the course of the process.

After accusations of coercion against Monique, trial in the Henry Borel case enters its 8th day | NEW DAY

Next steps: interrogations and debates
After the end of the interrogations scheduled for today, the procedural rite foresees the beginning of debates between the prosecution and defense.

The Public Prosecutor's Office and the prosecution assistant will have an hour and a half to present their arguments, followed by the same time for the defense.

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On the left Dr. Jairinho, on the right Monique Medeiros with her son Henry Borel - Arte/CNN

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Monique Medeiros at a hearing to hear witnesses in the process regarding the death of the boy Henry Borel - Photo: MARCOS PORTO/AGÊNCIA O DIA/AGÊNCIA O DIA/ESTADÃO CONTEÚDO

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Monique Medeiros at a hearing to hear witnesses in the process regarding the death of the boy Henry Borel - Photo: MARCOS PORTO/AGÊNCIA O DIA/AGÊNCIA O DIA/ESTADÃO CONTEÚDO

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Monique Medeiros, mother of Henry Borel and accused of omission in her son's death, installed an electronic ankle bracelet and was placed under house arrest, as established by the courts - CNN

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Monique Medeiros, mother of Henry Borel and accused of omission in her son's death, installed an electronic ankle bracelet and was placed under house arrest, as established by the courts - CNN

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Monique Medeiros, mother of Henry Borel and accused of omission in her son's death, installed an electronic ankle bracelet and was placed under house arrest, as established by the courts - CNN

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Arrest of former councilor Dr. Jairinho in the Henry Borel Case - ESTADÃO CONTÚDO

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Former councilor Jairo Souza Santos Júnior, known as Jairinho, in a hearing at the Court of Justice of Rio de Janeiro, in the center of Rio de Janeiro - Photo: PAULO CARNEIRO/PHOTOPRESS/ESTADÃO CONTEÚDO

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Dr. Jairinho, boyfriend of Monique Medeiros da Costa e Silva, mother of the boy Henry Borel, after giving a statement about the death of the 4-year-old boy - Tânia Rêgo/Agência Brasil

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Due to the existence of more than one accused, the total time may be increased in accordance with the rules of the Code of Criminal Procedure.

Once the debate phase is over, the jurors who make up the Sentencing Council must answer the questions about the materiality of the fact and the authorship of the crimes.

The final decision on conviction or acquittal will be made by a majority vote before the sentence is read by the presiding judge.

Source: CNN