Jefferson Roger Maciel Barata Confesses To Killing UFC Veteran Rodrigo De Lima
UOL reports that Barata has been arrested by police and would confess to murdering De Lima a short time later. Barata stated that the incident started after he asked De Lima and friends to lower their voices while inside the car, which would lead to De Lima allegedly punching Barata.
Barata claims that he drove back in an attempt to scare De Lima and friends, but had no intention to kill the former UFC star.
The authorities will charge Barata with murder, it is unknown at this time as to when a potential trial will take place.
In a statement to UOL, one thing Barata asked was for forgiveness from the family and friends of the late De Lima:
“I’ve always thought of a way to raise my family and not let my children grow up without a father. I feel for his family, I regret it, I’ve already asked God for forgiveness. It was one of the things I feared the most: Taking someone’s life. I started working in this job to have more time in the church, I became a director for the youth, teaching music in the church, and this ended up happening. I’ve asked God and his family for forgiveness. It wasn’t my goal to take anyone’s life. I’ve never done anything bad to anyone. Today (the 26th) was going to be my wedding. I was going to start a new life, and this happened. I’ll pay for what I’ve done, and I regret it deeply. I ask his family and friends for forgiveness.”
