Fernandes Pedra remains in custody; case continues October 2

ORANJESTAD – The examining magistrate has ruled that Fernandes Pedra, a suspect in the fatal accident that claimed the lives of two people, cannot be released at this time. The case will continue on October 2, 2026, at 9:00 a.m.

During the hearing, it emerged that Fernandes Pedra still does not have effective legal representation. According to his statement, attorney Moscovicz helped him prepare a letter but is not currently representing him in the proceedings.

The prosecutor said efforts had been made to secure legal assistance, but that no lawyer in Aruba had indicated availability to take the case. However, two lawyers from Curaçao are willing to do so.

The judge considered the presence of an attorney essential and ruled that Fernandes Pedra must choose between the two Curaçao lawyers. Based on Article 69 of the Criminal Procedure Ordinance, the Government of Aruba must cover the necessary costs, including legal fees and accommodation.

The prosecutor maintained the position that the suspect should not be released. The Public Prosecutor’s Office stated that an investigation conducted in the Netherlands into the Jeep’s computer indicated an “extremely dangerous” manner of driving which, according to the prosecutor, resulted in the deaths of two people.

The defense, on the other hand, argued that Fernandes Pedra had already spent 11 days in police custody while the technical investigation was not yet fully clear. Among other things, the defense requested further investigation into the behavior of the pedestrians, whether they were under the influence of alcohol, the damage to the Jeep and a reconstruction of what happened.

The defense also questioned whether the investigation conducted in the Netherlands could be used as evidence and argued that Fernandes Pedra could not have seen the pedestrians. In addition, the defense requested that several witnesses be heard.

The prosecutor responded that there was no need to question the witnesses again because all security camera footage related to the accident had already been added to the case file. It was also stated that the additional examination of the vehicle’s computer and the reconstruction of the accident were in their final stages.

According to information presented during the hearing, the victims and witnesses are still undergoing treatment. A psychologist indicated that questioning them again as witnesses could pose a risk to their emotional well-being. The judge, however, considered that any necessary witnesses could possibly be heard before the examining magistrate.

Ultimately, the judge found there were compelling reasons to keep Fernandes Pedra in custody, taking into account the new reports added to the case, the seriousness of the suspicion and the impact the accident had on the community. According to what was stated during the hearing, the offense under investigation carries a maximum prison sentence of eight years.