Uncle of boy who died shot in Paraná while playing video games is released
The suspect informed the police that the shooting was accidental, while he was 'playing with the gun'. The court granted provisional freedom because he was a first-time offender and because he remained at the scene of the incident.
By g1 PR
Matheus Lourenço Barbosa's uncle, 9 years old, was released this Tuesday (22). The boy died after being shot in the head in Guarapuava.
Anthony Gustavo Mueller Souza Lourenço, 19 years old, had been arrested on Saturday (19). The court granted provisional release using an electronic ankle monitor.
The investigator stated that he was "playing" with the gun when the shooting occurred. The irregular weapons have not yet been located by the police.
Matheus Barbosa was playing video games when he was shot — Photo: Personal archive
The uncle of Matheus Lourenço Barbosa, a 9-year-old child who died after being shot in the head while playing video games at home, was released this Tuesday (22).
Anthony Gustavo Mueller Souza Lourenço, 19 years old, was arrested red-handed on Saturday (19), the date the case took place in Guarapuava, in the central region of Paraná. The child had brain death confirmed by the hospital on Monday (21).
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According to the Public Ministry of Paraná (MP-PR), the court granted provisional freedom because Anthony was a first-time offender, because he remained at the scene of the incident, among other circumstances.
The decision points out that there were no requirements for the pre-trial detention of the suspect. The victim's uncle was released using an electronic ankle bracelet.
Anthony told police he was "playing" with the gun when the shooting occurred, and that it was accidental. In a statement, the suspect's defense regrets the case and reported that Anthony assumes full responsibility for the facts. Check out the full note below.
The child was hospitalized in serious condition in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the Ponta Grossa University Hospital. Matheus' family authorized organ donation after confirmation of brain death.
Child was shot while playing video games
After the shooting, Matheus was rescued by his father, who called the Mobile Emergency Care Service (SAMU).
According to the Military Police (PM-PR), the team was called to respond to a gunshot incident and found the child shot in the head. To the police, the uncle stated that he was with friends when the shooting occurred.
According to the uncle's report to the PM, after the shot, he dropped the gun on the floor and one of his colleagues picked up the object and fled. Initially, the young man indicated one of his friends as responsible for taking the gun, but later changed his version and pointed to someone else.
A 16-year-old girl, who was also at the scene, was taken to the police station. According to the PM, she presented contradictions during the report.
The weapon had not been located by the police until the publication of this report. The uncle told the police that the weapon was in an illegal condition. During a personal search, the team found a .32 caliber ammunition shell.
In a statement, the Civil Police (PC-PR) reported that, initially, he was charged with attempted qualified homicide and illegal possession of a permitted firearm.
"The efforts continue with the aim of seizing the weapon, as well as identifying and holding responsible any third parties who may have helped in the suspect's escape or in the concealment of the weapon", points out the corporation.
After being shot, Matheus was admitted in serious condition to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the Ponta Grossa University Hospital. The family authorized organ donation after confirmation of brain death.
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Note from Anthony Lourenço's defense
"The defense of Anthony Gustavo Mueller Souza Lourenço, hereby expresses immense sadness over what happened, the family is deeply shaken as a result of the death of Matheus Lourenço Barbosa, victim of an accidental gunshot. He also reiterates that, it was an accident and that Anthony assumes full responsibility for the events, having even provided immediate assistance, as well as collaborating with the investigations."
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