- A surgeon named João Batista do Couto Neto is facing serious legal trouble following the deaths of multiple patients.
- The case centers on the 2010 death of Waldomiro dos Santos Oliveira, who died after a gallbladder removal surgery performed by the doctor.
- In a recent court hearing, Oliveira's widow, Beloni Machado Lialho, told the surgeon she forgave him but insisted that justice must be served.
- The Civil Police have established 150 investigations into the doctor's practices, with 11 cases forwarded to the justice system.
Quick Summary
The case against surgeon João Batista do Couto Neto involves the 2010 death of patient Waldomiro dos Santos Oliveira. The patient underwent gallbladder removal surgery and suffered fatal complications.
During a court hearing, the victim's widow, Beloni Machado Lialho, addressed the surgeon directly with a complex message of forgiveness and justice.
Authorities have launched 150 investigations into the doctor's medical practices. Eleven cases were sent to the justice system, and eight resulted in homicide indictments.
Police identified specific concerns about the surgeon's approach:
- Performing urgent procedures without clinical necessity
- Skipping pre-operative health investigations
- Promising rapid patient recoveries
- Causing organ perforations during procedures
The doctor's legal team maintains that negative outcomes do not prove medical error or criminal intent. The case has reached the evidence phase and may proceed to a jury trial.
⚖️ Legal Proceedings and Charges
The legal case against João Batista do Couto Neto centers on the 2010 death of Waldomiro dos Santos Oliveira. Oliveira underwent surgery for gallbladder removal performed by the surgeon but did not survive the complications.
Authorities have established a total of 150 investigations by the Civil Police regarding the doctor's medical practices. From this total, 11 cases were forwarded to the justice system in Novo Hamburgo.
Indictments were filed in eight cases for triple-qualified homicide with eventual intent. The remaining cases did not prove the surgeon's involvement in the deaths.
The surgeon currently faces two legal processes regarding suspicion of six homicides. The evidence phase has concluded, and the case is now with the responsible judge. One potential outcome is a trial by the Tribunal do Júri, where seven citizens would vote on conviction or acquittal.
I want you to know that I forgive you, but I want justice to be done.— Beloni Machado Lialho, Widow
💔 Widow's Statement
During a judicial hearing, Beloni Machado Lialho, a massage therapist and the widow of Waldomiro dos Santos Oliveira, requested permission to speak directly to the surgeon.
Lialho delivered a powerful statement to the doctor, saying: "I want you to know that I forgive you, but I want justice to be done."
This moment occurred within the context of the legal proceedings regarding her husband's death during surgery in 2010.
🔍 Police Investigation Findings
Investigators from the Civil Police identified specific patterns in João Batista do Couto Neto's medical practice that raised concerns.
The police report enumerated several issues:
- Insistence on performing urgent procedures even without actual clinical necessity
- Dispensing with pre-operative exams or prior health status investigations
- Promising rapid recovery to patients
- Perforation of organs during procedures
The doctor has performed more than 25,000 procedures over a 19-year career, according to statements made by the surgeon himself in the previous year.
👨⚕️ Doctor's Defense and Current Status
The defense team for João Batista do Couto Neto argues that all medical procedures carry the risk of negative consequences. They maintain that procedural failure does not automatically indicate error or criminal intent.
The defense further stated that the surgeon "trained to save lives and would never have the intention, even indirect, to take lives."
Currently, the doctor resides in Novo Hamburgo and responds to legal processes while at liberty. However, he is prohibited from practicing medicine.
The case has gained public attention through a documentary series on Globoplay titled "Quebra de Juramento — um médico no banco dos réus" (Breaking the Oath — a doctor in the defendant's chair). The series reportedly includes previously unreleased investigation details, testimonies, and videos. This marks the first time the surgeon has spoken to justice and the press following his indictment.
"Trained to save lives and would never have the intention, even indirect, to take lives."
— Defense Statement
Frequently Asked Questions
What is João Batista do Couto Neto accused of?
He is accused of causing patient deaths through medical procedures. Specifically, he faces eight indictments for triple-qualified homicide with eventual intent related to surgeries performed on patients including Waldomiro dos Santos Oliveira in 2010.
How many investigations are against the doctor?
The Civil Police have established 150 investigations into the doctor's practices. Eleven of these cases were forwarded to the justice system in Novo Hamburgo.
What did the patient's widow say to the doctor?
During a judicial hearing, widow Beloni Machado Lialho told the surgeon: 'I want you to know that I forgive you, but I want justice to be done.'
