The reaction was immediate: disbelief, anger, and heartbreak. For Lo’s family, his students, his teammates,
and thousands of followers around the world, the verdict felt like a second loss — one deeper than the first.

A Night That Changed Everything

The tragic incident took place in August 2022 inside a São Paulo nightclub. What began as a heated confrontation
escalated rapidly:

• Witnesses say a brief dispute broke out.
• Leandro Lo, known for his calm approach and ability to defuse conflict, reportedly restrained Velozo
  to neutralize the situation.
• Moments after being released, Velozo allegedly drew a firearm and shot Lo in the head at point-blank range.

The act stunned everyone present. It was the kind of violence nobody imagined would end the life of one of
jiu-jitsu’s greatest champions.

Inside the Trial

A Triple-Qualified Homicide Charge — and a Stunning Defense

Velozo was indicted for triple-qualified homicide, a severe charge reflecting the brutality
of the act. But his legal team pursued one strategy relentlessly: self-defense.

Despite witness accounts, despite the context, and despite Lo being unarmed, the jury ultimately sided with
the defendant.

What Happened After the Shooting?

The details that emerged in the aftermath only deepened the outrage:

• Multiple witnesses testified that after firing the fatal shot, Velozo kicked Leandro Lo twice
  in the head.
• He offered no aid, made no attempt to help, and did not contact emergency services.
• He then left the scene, reportedly going to a brothel, before turning himself in hours later.

To many observers, these actions were incompatible with any claim of self-defense — yet the verdict still stood.

A Community in Mourning

Leandro Lo was not just a champion; he was a symbol of what was best in the sport:

• Humility
• Strength
• Leadership
• Joy
• Inspiration

He won inside the mats and outside of them, becoming a role model for younger athletes
and a legend for the entire BJJ world.

The shock of his death in 2022 was devastating. But for many, the 2025 verdict feels even more painful —
because it signifies a failure of the justice system they hoped would honor his memory.

Demands for Justice — and a Legacy That Will Not Fade

In the wake of the acquittal, an outpouring of grief has swept across social media, academies,
and competitions worldwide.

Lo’s family is calling for further action. The jiu-jitsu community is demanding answers. And many are
questioning how a killing caught in front of witnesses could end with no accountability.

But one thing remains certain: Leandro Lo’s legacy will never be erased. His impact, his spirit,
and the inspiration he gave to thousands will outlive any courtroom decision.

For those who loved him, trained with him, or were moved by him, this story is not finished — not emotionally
and not morally.

If human justice failed, many now hope that a higher justice will prevail.

Leandro Lo is eternal.