In a case that has captivated and horrified the public, the tragic murder of 27-year-old Igor Peretto on August 31, 2024, in Praia Grande, São Paulo, continues to unfold in the courtroom with significant new developments. On March 21, 2025, an instruction and judgment hearing was held, drawing attention not only for the gravity of the crime but also for the shocking behavior of one of the accused, Mario Vitorino.
Tiago Peretto, Igor's brother, alleges that prior to the hearing, Mario made a gesture associated with a criminal faction, which has raised the ire of the victim's family. In a video posted by Tiago, Mario, along with two others, were seen laughing and mocking as they were escorted to the courthouse, a display that Tiago deemed disrespectful to his brother's memory. "Look at these scumbags; they took my brother's life! I swore at his coffin that I would not let this go, and I won’t," Tiago expressed through his social media account.
The Public Ministry of São Paulo (MP-SP) suggests that the murder was premeditated, alleging that it stemmed from a twisted love triangle involving Igor's wife, Rafaela Costa, his sister Marcelly Peretto, and Mario, who is both his brother-in-law and business partner. The trio has been charged with homicide, and according to prosecutor Roberta, the case is regarded as "shocking and violent." She asserted that the notion of their actions showed no intent to minimize Igor's suffering was particularly telling. Evidence suggested they searched for escape routes post-murder to evade police attention, indicating a cold and calculated approach to the crime.
The complex details of their relationships emerged later, as it has been revealed that Rafaela was allegedly involved romantically with both Marcelly and Mario, creating a scenario the Public Ministry characterized as a "mortal plan." Igor's death, they claim, would lead to financial benefits for the accused—Mario could take over the motorcycle shop they ran together, while Rafaela would stand to inherit from Igor.
Mario's lawyer, Mario Badures, declined to comment on the gesture made by his client, while Marcelly's representative, Leandro Weissmann, expressed confidence that justice would ultimately prevail, and criticized the narrative spun by bloggers that he believes misrepresents the facts of the case. The hearing marked an important moment, as it was intended to determine whether the case would proceed to a popular jury, which will now be held on May 7, 2025.
According to the allegations, the early morning of the murder involved a series of events that led to Igor's tragic fate. Witness testimony and the timeline provided to the police details how Marcelly and Rafaela arrived at Marcelly's apartment in the Residencial Vogue at approximately 4:32 a.m. Just over an hour later, after cleverly orchestrating the scene, the couple left Igor alone with Mario, a decision that would prove horrifyingly fatal.
The prosecutor's case depicts Igor as having found evidence of his wife’s infidelity just before the attack, adding a layer of betrayal and desperation to the incident. Testifying against the backdrop of these emotional revelations was Felipe Pires de Campos from the assistant prosecution team, who voiced optimism that the ongoing legal process would affirm their findings and lead to a conviction.
At this hearing, not only was Mario's gesture scrutinized, but questions surrounding the integrity of testimonies by all parties involved loomed large. Witnesses will be called upon in the upcoming sessions to illuminate various facets of the case, each aligned with what the prosecution and defense believe proves their narrative.
The events leading to Igor’s murder reveal a chilling tableau of betrayal, duplicity, and violence, primarily stemming from entangled personal relationships. With public interest high, especially as the case takes additional contours with every courtroom revelation, this remains a story of deep personal tragedy intertwined with broader questions about loyalty and the consequences of infidelity.
As this story continues to iterate through trials and witness testimonies, the community circles around the Peretto family in grief and outrage, keenly watching the implications of each legal step taken. The upcoming May hearing promises to shed further light on the details of this agonizing case, revealing the truths that ultimately led to a young man’s untimely death.
