A 67-year-old man died after being hit with an ax during a fight with his brother. The case happened on Thursday morning (7), in the Areia town of Brancos, rural area of Buriti, municipality 325 km from São Luís. The suspect, also the victim’s brother, was seriously injured.
Polícia Civil is investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of Manoel Alves and Sousa. Antônio Alves of Sousa, 58 years old, is the main person involved. Ele was rescued and transferred to a more complex hospital.
Discussão started because of tree pruning
The two brothers were neighbors and had long-standing disagreements. Polícia Civil reports that the fight began over the pruning of a tree on a piece of land. Testemunhas reported that the discussion quickly escalated in tone.
Nenhum of the two gave in in the dispute. Manoel Alves from Sousa received the ax blows and couldn’t resist. Ele died at the scene. Forensics were called to examine the body and the scene.
- Manoel Alves of Sousa, 67 years old, fatal victim
- Antônio Alves of Sousa, 58 years old, suspect and injured
- Localidade Areia from Brancos, rural from Buriti
- Initial Motivo: Tree pruning on disputed land
- Armas involved: ax and machete, according to reports
Suspeito claims he acted in self-defense
Antônio Alves of Sousa told Polícia Militar that his brother attacked him first with a machete. Ele said he reacted with the ax that was nearby, used in pruning the tree. The agents collected the two instruments at the scene.
The version is still undergoing verification. Peritos analyze injuries on bodies and positions of injuries. The investigation seeks to confirm the exact dynamics of the events. Até at the moment, no arrest has been ordered.
The suspect suffered machete blows. Ele received initial care on Hospital Municipal from Buriti. Depois, due to severity, was transferred to a high complexity unit in Caxias. Não there is an official update on his current health status.
Polícia Civil opens investigation to investigate the case
Delegados listened to the suspect and was looking for other witnesses in the region. The rural area has few residences nearby. Moradores only confirmed that the brothers had lived on neighboring properties for years.
Agents also examine the history of conflicts between them. Old Desavenças had already been mentioned in local conversations, but never formally registered as previous police reports. The investigation remains ongoing.
Especialistas in criminalistics at Polícia Civil works with preliminary reports. Eles assess whether the injuries are consistent with the defense narrative. The result should be out within days.
Transferência of injured and medical follow-up
Buriti’s Hospital Municipal met Sousa’s Antônio Alves shortly after the fight. Equipes stabilized the patient prior to removal. The transfer to Caxias occurred due to the need for more advanced care.
Não there are details about surgeries or prognosis. Familiares follows the case at the hospital. Secretaria of Saúde of Maranhão has not released a specific bulletin so far.
Contexto of rural disputes in the region
Buriti is located in the interior of Maranhão. Áreas like Areia of Brancos concentrate small family properties. Disputas due to land boundaries or use of natural resources are common in these locations.
Tree pruning tends to generate friction when it involves shading, fruit or space. Órgãos like Incra and city halls have recorded similar cases over the years, although most are resolved without violence.
In the current case, Polícia Civil reinforces that it investigates all elements. The objective is to clarify whether there was excess or self-defense. Ministério Público will follow the progress.
Familiares and community await outcome
Parentes of the two brothers have been officially informed. The locality has a small number of residents. Muitos still processes information about what happened between people from the same family.
The investigation continues with the collection of additional statements. Perícia on-site technical has now been completed. Laudos should help define the delegates’ line of work in the next steps.