# Trial Begins for Suspect Accused of Killing Military Police Sergeant in BH Welbert de Souza Fagundes faces charges for the 2024 fatal shooting of Sergeant Roger Dias. - **Source:** [G1 – Globo](https://g1.globo.com) - **Published:** 2026-11-09 - **Topic:** [politics](https://brifing.si/c/politics) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/affb5be0-e345-475a-8457-5d8329d36e27 ## Trial Commencement in Belo Horizonte The trial of Welbert de Souza Fagundes began this Monday at the Lafayette Forum in Belo Horizonte. Fagundes stands accused of killing Military Police Sergeant Roger Dias da Cunha during a pursuit in January 2024. The proceedings faced initial delays, yet the court denied multiple requests to postpone the scheduled jury session. ## Composition of the Jury The sentencing council presiding over this case consists of six women and one man. Throughout the duration of the trial, ten witnesses are expected to provide testimony regarding the events. Five witnesses were indicated by the prosecution, four by both prosecution and defense, and one witness was requested solely by the defense team. ## Multiple Criminal Charges Filed Beyond the primary charge of triply qualified homicide for the death of Sergeant Dias, Fagundes faces additional legal counts. These include the attempted homicide of another police officer present during the incident and the illegal possession of a firearm. The prosecution emphasizes that all legal documents were submitted and parties properly notified. ## The January 2024 Incident The tragedy occurred during a patrol in the Minaslândia neighborhood when officers pursued a vehicle linked to a robbery. After the suspect vehicle crashed into a utility pole, the occupants fled on foot. Sergeant Dias pursued Fagundes, who allegedly drew a .38 caliber revolver from his clothing and fired at the officer. ## Fatal Confrontation and Arrest Sergeant Dias was struck in the head during the encounter and later succumbed to his injuries at Risoleta Neves Hospital. Fagundes also fired at a second officer, who remained unharmed. The suspect was eventually shot by police during the exchange and subsequently arrested in flagrante delicto at the scene of the crime. ## Family Seeks Earthly Justice Legal representatives for the prosecution stated that the family remains devastated by the loss of the sergeant. While acknowledging that no legal sentence can restore the life of the officer, the family continues to seek justice through the court system. The defense team has been contacted for comment but has not yet responded. ## Evidence and Judicial Process Security camera footage captured the moment Sergeant Dias was struck, serving as a critical piece of evidence in the ongoing trial. The court rejected several motions to delay the proceedings, ensuring the trial moved forward as planned. The judge and jury must now weigh the testimonies against the documented evidence presented today. ## Broader Implications of Case This trial highlights the ongoing risks faced by law enforcement officers during routine patrols and suspect pursuits in urban areas. The outcome of this case will serve as a definitive legal conclusion to a high-profile incident that deeply affected the local community and the military police force in Minas Gerais state. ## Sources covering this story - https://g1.globo.com/mg/minas-gerais/noticia/2026/11/09/comeca-julgamento-de-acusado-de-matar-sargento-da-pm-roger-dias-com-tiros-na-cabeca-em-bh.ghtml — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._