Former police officers Ronnie Lessa and Élcio de Queiroz were sentenced to 79 and 60 years respectively for the 2018 murder of Marielle Franco, a prominent social justice advocate. The verdict, viewed as a first step toward justice, comes amid ongoing investigations into those who allegedly orchestrated her assassination. Crowned an icon of the left in Brazil, Franco's death highlighted serious issues relating to crime, corruption, and violence against marginalized communities. The case remains a critical point of focus as authorities seek to hold others accountable in connection with the crime.