Former Judge Charged After Drunk Driving Crash Kills Comedian in Brazil
A retired judge drunk and accompanied by a naked passenger struck and killed a 30‑year‑old comedian in Araçatuba
A 30‑year‑old Brazilian comedian, Thaís Bonatti, died after being struck by a pickup truck while riding her bicycle to work in Araçatuba on July 25, according to police reports.
She sustained multiple fractures and a severe traumatic brain injury, underwent two surgeries and suffered two cardiac arrests before passing away on July 27 .
The vehicle was driven by Fernando Augusto Fontes Rodrigues Júnior, aged 61, a former civil court judge now practising law.
Authorities found out that he was intoxicated at the time and that a naked woman—believed to be a sex worker—was seated on his lap in the front passenger seat.
Surveillance footage reportedly captured the woman attempting to climb off his lap just before the vehicle moved unexpectedly and struck Bonatti .
Police officers who responded to the scene described Rodrigues as smelling of alcohol, slurring his speech and unsteady on his feet.
He was arrested and charged with manslaughter.
He was released the following day after posting bail of 40,000 Brazilian reais (approximately US $7,150) .
Bonatti’s family, including her brother William de Andrade, expressed outrage following his release.
He recounted that while the former judge was sleeping at home, he was arranging a coffin.
Local media coverage highlighted the family’s frustration over what they described as the swift bail decision .
Authorities reported that Rodrigues and the woman had left a nightclub prior to the incident.
The woman allegedly fled the scene after dressing by the time police arrived.
Rodrigues is currently prohibited from giving interviews due to the ongoing investigation; his legal team cited this restriction as a legal obligation and a sign of respect for the process .
Members of the comedy community and social media users paid tribute to Bonatti, recalling her as an energetic and dedicated performer active in stand‑up clubs across São Paulo state .
She sustained multiple fractures and a severe traumatic brain injury, underwent two surgeries and suffered two cardiac arrests before passing away on July 27 .
The vehicle was driven by Fernando Augusto Fontes Rodrigues Júnior, aged 61, a former civil court judge now practising law.
Authorities found out that he was intoxicated at the time and that a naked woman—believed to be a sex worker—was seated on his lap in the front passenger seat.
Surveillance footage reportedly captured the woman attempting to climb off his lap just before the vehicle moved unexpectedly and struck Bonatti .
Police officers who responded to the scene described Rodrigues as smelling of alcohol, slurring his speech and unsteady on his feet.
He was arrested and charged with manslaughter.
He was released the following day after posting bail of 40,000 Brazilian reais (approximately US $7,150) .
Bonatti’s family, including her brother William de Andrade, expressed outrage following his release.
He recounted that while the former judge was sleeping at home, he was arranging a coffin.
Local media coverage highlighted the family’s frustration over what they described as the swift bail decision .
Authorities reported that Rodrigues and the woman had left a nightclub prior to the incident.
The woman allegedly fled the scene after dressing by the time police arrived.
Rodrigues is currently prohibited from giving interviews due to the ongoing investigation; his legal team cited this restriction as a legal obligation and a sign of respect for the process .
Members of the comedy community and social media users paid tribute to Bonatti, recalling her as an energetic and dedicated performer active in stand‑up clubs across São Paulo state .
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