Father dies defending daughter from sexual harassment in square

A tragic event that occurred in Bento Gonçalves, Brazil, has shaken the local population. Rui das Merces Alcântara Fontes, a 36-year-old man, lost his life after trying to protect his daughter from sexual harassment in the Doutor Bartholomeu Tacchini square, in the city center, during the afternoon of Thursday, December 19.

According to the authorities, the 42-year-old aggressor was caught harassing people who passed by the square, even showing his genitals. In the midst of this situation, Rui's daughter became involved, leading the father to intervene. The confrontation ended fatally when the attacker stabbed Rui multiple times, including wounds to the face and chest.

After the attack, witnesses tried to separate the people involved and alerted the Municipal Guard. Rui was taken to the Tacchini hospital, where his death was confirmed hours later.

The attacker remained in the square after the attack, sitting on a bench, until he was arrested by the authorities. During the interrogation, he "coldly" confessed to having committed the murder and declared that he acted with the intention of killing, as confirmed by Éderson Bilhan, delegate of the First Police Station of Bento Gonçalves.

The attacker, who works with sheet metal, had consumed alcohol before the incident and has a history of threats and bodily harm. He is currently in preventive detention while the Civil Police advances in the investigation. In addition to being charged with murder, he will face additional charges for sexual harassment or obscene acts.

The attack occurred around 1:00 p.m. in a crowded place, and several witnesses captured video images that corroborate the events. These materials are being analyzed as evidence by the authorities.