Today (February 26), in Portimão, the court heard the testimony of Maria Malveiro with the investigating judge.

In her testimony she said that the crime took place following a sexual abuse attempt by Diogo, months before the murder that was committed on 20 March.

The defendant said that the initial idea was to take revenge for the alleged sexual abuse attempt, but it was not her intention that the situation would end in homicide. The defendant admits that she wanted to humiliate the victim, but denied the murder was premeditated.

However, she confirmed that the other defendant, Mariana, had no relationship with the victim and was unaware of the alleged rape attempt.

In addition, she admits to having dumped his body in Sagres and Tavira, with the help of Mariana, who, however, claimed to have just driven the vehicle alternately with Maria and acted as a look out while Maria disposed of the dismembered body.

Maria also stated that the reason for the crime wasn't related to the compensation of €70,000 that the victim received due to the death of his mother, that he had received in February.

The two defendants, appeared in the court together, but did not look at each other throughout the proceedings.

On 24 February, Mariana stated that Maria, her now ex-girlfriend, had been the perpetrator of the crime and that she Marinana, had followed her in the crime due to blind love.

The trial continues this afternoon.

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Paula Martins is a fully qualified journalist, who finds writing a means of self-expression. She studied Journalism and Communication at University of Coimbra and recently Law in the Algarve. Press card: 8252

Paula Martins