DILI, 15 May 2026 (TATOLI) – The Baucau Court of First Instance ordered the pretrial detention of three men suspected of direct involvement in the murder of 21-year-old Vinsensio de Jesus in Poros hamlet, Mehara village, Tutuala administrative post, Lautém municipality.
The fatal assault took place in the early hours of May 10, around 1:15 a.m., during a one-year memorial ceremony in Poros hamlet attended by Vinsensio de Jesus and his relatives.
Public defender José Delima said that, according to the prosecutor, the three men are charged with being directly involved in the fatal assault.
The decision was taken during the initial court hearing on May 12 and 13, which ruled that the suspects, identified by the initials LRH, GdSB and MdS, are charged under three offences in Timor-Leste’s Penal Code: Article 139 (aggravated homicide), Article 145 (simple offences against physical integrity), and Article 258 (property damage).
Meanwhile, two of the arrested suspects were placed under an Order to Identify and Reside (TIR), which requires them to remain at their residence and report to the authorities.
In addition, the remaining five suspects in the murder case were required to report periodically to the authorities.
It is recalled that following the assault, Vicensio Fernandes was rushed to hospital after sustaining severe injuries during a confrontation between two groups at the memorial ceremony.
Ten men were arrested, including a member of the F-FDTL identified as ODS.
The clash occurred between a group holding a memorial ceremony and another group conducting a traditional ceremony in separate locations within the same hamlet.
Related News: Man dies after memorial confrontation, 10 arrested
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