Man accused of killing Cecilia Haddad explains why he left the country
A Brazilian court has heard for the first time from the man accused of killing Sydney businesswoman Cecilia Haddad.
Mario Marcelo Santoro had his chance to explain why he returned to Rio de Janeiro just as his ex-lover’s body was found in the Lane Cove River.
He claimed the trip had been booked in advance but took it earlier than planned because his father was sick.
Answering questions from his lawyer, he said at his pre-trial that he left Australia because he missed his children and wanted to see his ill father.
Police in Australia and Brazil claim Santoro stalked and strangled Cecilia, but the brief of evidence that Sydney detectives sent to Rio just weeks ago has not been tendered yet.
“The defence must join the evidence from Australia,” defence lawyer Dr Mauricio Eduardo Mayr said.
“That has not been attached to the case yet.”
The defence is pushing to have the murder case moved to Brazil’s Federal Court because the crime happened in Australia.
If successful, it could see Santoro freed on bail.
While three judges consider that application, the court allowed the accused killer to call his family.
“I’ve been with him in the cells and telephoned his daughters,” Dr Mayr said.
“He spoke with the girls, he cried a lot.
“It was an act of mercy from the judge. It’s very unusual.”
Santoro will be back in court in February.
